Tōrō & Rose

Commissioned by the Australian Children’s Theatre Foundation - Tōrō & Rose is an entertaining, optimistic and thoughtful performance that asks the audience to consider the relationship between multiculturalism and world peace and that we all have the ability to change the world.

​The story is highly imagined but inspired by a true event.
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​The performance starts in Australia where two narrators, a Japanese/Australian and an American/Australian transport us to WW1, where Frank, a young American soldier, arrives home suffering from shell shock. Withdrawing into himself he finds comfort in growing roses and Rose, the biggest meanest pet cat ever.

Jump to 1923, to the city of Yokohama into a tiny shop that sells beautiful objects made from paper – umbrellas, parasols, lanterns and fans. The shop’s run by a young woman named Tsukiko and her gentle playful dog Toro.  ​

Then a terrible earthquake devastates Yokohama and aid arrives not only from Japan but from around the world.

Remembering this, when tensions build between nations, Tsukiko has the idea of exchanging friendship gifts between Japan and America. She organises to  give a traditional stone lantern but who will answer in America?  Frank does. He send back 1000 rosebushes - and he also accidentally sends Rose.

Despite their efforts, war breaks out and Frank and Tsukiko on different sides of the world, must flight to save the Toro and the Roses, but they can only do this with the help of the community. ​​
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Photo: Leonie Van Eyk
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Puppets by Rod Primrose
In their struggle, they learn that even in the face of enormous global problems, they are not powerless. The better worlds we imagine can become real. 

​Today the American rosebushes, or their descendants, are still growing in Yokohama. The stone lantern stands in Seward Park, Seattle. And in Australia, we live in increasing harmony with different nations and cultures.
Tōrō & Rose will be touring Victoria in June 2020 with further booking planned for 2021. For further information or bookings, contact Pippin Davies, Regional Arts Victoria
pdavies@rav.net.au    03 9644 1800

Tōrō & Rose is memorable play that entertains but also engages the imagination and stimulates questions. For schools, it’s a great springboard for further study across several curriculum areas and learning capabilities.

Written & directed by Mark Penzak. Performed by Michelle Gerster & Mark Penzak. Puppet Design Rod Primrose and Sound/Music Design Andrée Cozens.