Teruko Nakajima is a first-generation Japanese American comedian whose one-woman show, “Made in America,” uses humor to document her recovery from depression and PTSD. The production, which recently held an encore performance at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) theater, explores Nakajima’s search for identity and the American dream amid a history of family abuse and psychiatric care.
How did comedy become a medical prescription for Teruko Nakajima?
In 2016, Nakajima received psychiatric treatment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for diagnoses including depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. According to Nakajima, her doctors implemented a stress-management strategy that exposed her to various activities, such as video games and aerial silks performances. When the arts successfully lowered her anxiety, her doctor specifically prescribed comedy, leading her to enroll in classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade.
What is the premise of “Made in America”?
“Made in America” is a comedic autobiographical show that traces Nakajima’s life from her birth in Japan to her experiences as an immigrant in the United States. The performance juxtaposes dark personal history—including physical and emotional abuse from her parents—with lighter chapters of her life, such as her time working as a dominatrix in New York City and her romantic struggles in Los Angeles.
The show first premiered in 2022 at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. In its most recent iterations, Nakajima has updated the material to reflect the current political climate, specifically referencing the impact of Donald Trump’s second presidency and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Nakajima stated that the show serves as a “defiant immigrant love letter to America.”
Who directed the production and what is the creative process?
John Flynn, a veteran instructor at UCB in both New York and Los Angeles for approximately 20 years, directed the show. Flynn first met Nakajima at a storytelling open mic, where she performed wearing lensless, red heart-framed glasses and accompanied by her emotional support dog, Titi (also known as Tiny Teruko).
Flynn described the directorial process as “carving away” at Nakajima’s life stories to create a cohesive arc, comparing the work to sculpting. He noted that Nakajima’s ability to maintain a positive energy despite her history is what makes her performance compelling to audiences.
How has the show evolved since its 2022 debut?
While the 2022 version of the show focused on optimism and the pursuit of safety, the current version is “sharper and tighter” with a shift toward a desire for systemic change. According to Nakajima, the current political environment—characterized by deportation policies and discrimination—has changed the show’s conclusion. She now emphasizes the need to be seen and recognized, stating, “America, thank you for not giving up on me.”
- Primary Venue: Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Theater.
- Key Themes: First-generation immigrant identity, mental health recovery, and family trauma.
- Directorial Influence: Developed through John Flynn’s storytelling course.
- Personal Details: Former cheerleader in Japan and salsa dancer in New York; sculptor of MLB players.
Why does Nakajima choose comedy over drama?
Despite her history of trauma, Nakajima believes comedy provides a more “unguarded” and “invincible” way to be authentic. She credits the UCB community with providing a safe space that validated her identity as a comedian and helped her realize her own worth. Nakajima reports that audiences often share that they feel “not alone” after watching the show, which she says provides her with a sense of hope and unity.
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