Osaki-san, William Gillette's Gentleman Valet at Russell Library December 16th

Japanese actor Taku Hirai will play "Osaki-san", the
valet of William Gillette for over 40 years. The play is
part of the Immigrant Artists series at Russell Library.

Russell Library and The East Haddam Stage Company will present a new one-man drama on the life of Yukitaka Osaki, the Japanese valet of actor William Gillette, featuring New York-based Japanese actor Taku Hirai on December 16, 2018 at 2:00pm in the Hubbard Room. This presentation will be the last in a series sponsored by the Middletown Commission on the Arts entitled, “Immigrant Artists”. 

Osaki-San and his older brother came to visit the US from Japan in 1888. His brother Yukio returned to Japan, where he went on to become the mayor of Tokyo. He was behind the famous gift of cherry trees to Washington D.C. Yukitaka, however, decided to stay. He became the quiet soul who worked beside the actor William Gillette for almost forty years as valet, secretary, confidante and friend.

Playwright and director Kandie Carle has developed several plays for the East Haddam Stage Company. She does extensive research, incorporating many details into the plays. Her one-woman show, “The Victorian Lady” is renowned for historical accuracy. She is the Artistic Director of the East Haddam Stage Company.

Established in 2002, EHSCO’s mission is Minimal Set, Maximum Connection, focusing on intimate live theatre presentations around New England and beyond. As resident theatre company at Gillette Castle State Park, EHSCO has offered 10 years of outdoor summer theatre to the visitors of the park. Find out more about the company at www.EHSCO.org

Taku Hirai has acted in films and stage. He is known for Valedictorian (2015), Film 101 (2005) and Dance Mania Fantastic (2005).