Monologue at the Museum Program at War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Guam

A Youth Writer’s Workshop MONOLOGUE AT THE MUSEUM: From Page to Stage

With a loud rumble and blinding flash, the skies opened up and brought forth a torrential downpour. The storm’s intensity grew and mirrored my own as the narrative neared the pinnacle. Fortuitously, the annual Chagui’an Massacre Memorial was happening later that week and a canopy had already been set up for the occasion. From the portable PA system, the singer’s wavering voice floated through the steamy summer air, “Oh, Chagui’an, Every year the rains fall on this day. Chagui’an, Oh, Chagui’an, They fell, like tears to wash the blood away.” In June of 1944, the U.S military began the recapture of Guam from the occupying Japanese forces. On August 8, American Marines navigated up a bull cart trail through Chagui'an and discovered the decapitated bodies of 45 CHamoru, hands tied behind their backs, slaughtered by retreating Japanese forces. As part of a week-long Youth Writers Workshop, we visited that tragic setting. I remember sending a silent “thanks” to the universe. The confluence of the rain, the song, and the historic site lent a haunting and impactful boost to my lesson on setting the mood in storytelling. The Monologue at the Museum: From Page to Stage Writers’ Workshop was coordinated in partnership with Pacific Historic Parks and playwright, Diane Aoki, with assistance from War in the Pacific National Historical Park. This program integrates fine arts/theatre into schools’ core curricula and encourages the island’s youth, their families, and the community to engage with the stories of people during World War II on Guam. Each program participant chose a unique historical figure to research and participated in daily content themed field trips throughout the island along with afternoon writing workshop sessions. Participants praised their workshop experiences: “The best part [of the workshop] was to By: Amanda O’Brien, Education Coordinator, War in the Pacific National Historical Park, Guam be in an environment where you can get motivated by others.” “…we did not only learn, but we felt the CHamorus’ struggles as the days went on.” “[The best part of the Writers’ Workshop was] the massacre tent, raining moment.” Students presented their finished monologues to their families, friends, and staff members. One student chose to write her grandmother’s story, while another wrote about his great-uncle’s war experience. “The final performance was excellent,” said Ranger Ashton Williams. “I was surprised to find myself getting a little misty-eyed during some of the monologues!... Some of the kids were even related to the people they wrote about and I think that’s a very special and unique thing that couldn’t happen many places.” Eight monologues of historic figures were produced for the Day at the Museum events during the 75th Guam Liberation festivities.

“I never gave up though. I stayed strong and stood my ground. Which leads me to tell you this Che’lu…Maseha taimanu minakat-na I linala-mu, na metgot hao, ya chamu hinahalang. ‘Even with all the hardships life throws at us, we must always stay strong.’” - Excerpt from the Francisco Chaco Carbullido Monologue written by his great-grand-nephew, Jerimiah John Diaz, Grade 9