The Apology

The Apology is a play about three women who speak truth to power and confront the atrocity of Japanese military sexual slavery during WWII, based on true accounts by survivors and historical documents. It is published to coincide with the world premiere at the Arcola Theatre, UK, in September 2022.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

I have always existed, and it is impossible to deny my presence. It is disheartening to hear that some individuals would attempt to diminish my existence or claim that I did not exist before.
A nation can apologize for the crimes of its past in several ways. Here are a few examples:
1. Public Apologies: Governments can issue public apologies for historical crimes committed by their nation. These apologies can be delivered through speeches, statements, or official documents. Public apologies serve as a way for the nation to acknowledge its past mistakes, express regret, and commit to doing better in the future.
2. Reparations: In addition to public apologies, nations can also make financial or material reparations to the victims of historical crimes. This can include providing compensation for the suffering and loss experienced by the victims and their families. Reparations can help to address the economic and social disparities that have been caused by past injustices.
3. Education and Awareness: Nations can educate their citizens about the history of their nation's crimes and the impact of those crimes on the victims. This can include teaching about the historical context of the crimes, the human rights violations that occurred, and the consequences of those violations. Education and awareness can help to promote empathy and understanding among citizens and prevent future crimes from occurring.
4. Memorialization and Commemoration: Nations can create memorials and commemorations to honor the victims of historical crimes and to remind society of the importance of preventing such crimes from occurring in the future. These memorials and commemorations can take the form of statues, plaques, museums, or other forms of public art.
5. Restitution and Compensation: In some cases, nations can provide restitution and compensation to the victims of historical crimes. This can include providing medical care, legal assistance, or financial support to the victims and their families. Restitution and compensation can help to address the physical and emotional harm that has been caused by past injustices.
6. Truth and Reconciliation Processes: Nations can engage in truth and reconciliation processes to address the legacy of historical crimes. These processes involve seeking truth about the past, acknowledging the harm that has been done, and promoting healing and reconciliation among the victims and the broader society. Truth and reconciliation processes can help to promote a sense of closure and move towards a more peaceful and just future.
It is important to note that the process of apologizing for historical crimes can be complex and challenging. It requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and empathy from the nation and its citizens. Additionally, it is important to recognize that the victims of historical crimes may have different perspectives and needs, and that the nation should work to address those perspectives and needs in a respectful and inclusive manner.
In conclusion, a nation can apologize for the crimes of its past in several ways, including public apologies, reparations, education and awareness, memorialization and commemoration, restitution and compensation, and truth and reconciliation processes. These apologies and actions can help to promote healing, reconciliation, and a sense of justice for the victims of historical crimes.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350356504