Comedy saved her life. Now Teruko Nakajimas Made in America is saving others

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Set us as preferred Comedy saved Teruko Nakajima’s life.In 2016, Nakajima received psychiatric care at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, diagnosed with depression, PTSD and suicidal ideation.Her doctors searched for ways to manage her stress by exposing her to various activities, including video games, serene Icelandic landscapes and an aerial silks performance.

The last brought her anxiety down, revealing that the arts were the answer.Her doctor prescribed the arts, comedy specifically, so she went to the Upright Citizens Brigade for class.She found a calling and a safe space in comedy.“I didn’t know I was born a comedian,” Nakajima said.

“Finally, I really felt I was accepted as a comedian, validated for who I am.”Nakajima shares her healing journey to the stage in “Made in America,” which just had an encore performance at UCB on Tuesday after its award-winning run in 2022 (it is also available for streaming on UCB’s website through Tuesday).The one-woman show arrives in time for the United States’ 250th anniversary on Saturday, documenting Nakajima’s search for the American dream as a first-generation Japanese American woman.

“Made in America” premiered in 2022 at the Hollywood Fringe Festival during Joe Biden’s presidency and following the Jan.6 United States Capitol attack.

In 2026, its musings on identity and belonging pierce through today’s political landscape shaped by Donald Trump’s second presidency.“I wanted to let people know this is an American story,” she said.“Made in America” is about Nakajima’s life.It begins in her mother’s womb.

She felt so safe there, she yearned to return.Growing up, she experienced an emotionally and physically abusive life at home, recalling her father breaking furniture and her mother’s alcohol-induced belittling comments.

But her name, Ter...