Tōrō & Rose
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Commissioned by the Australian Children’s Theatre Foundation - Tōrō & Rose is an entertaining and thoughtful performance suitable for the entire primary school.
Loosely based on true events, it's enacted through imaginative visuals, narration & puppetry with Japanese dialogue that's fun for English speaking audiences to follow. |
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The performance starts in Australia where two narrators, a Japanese/Australian and an American/Australian take us back 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 Tsukoko.
Then a terrible earthquake devastates Yokohama but Tsukiko’s rebuilds after aid arrives from Japand and around the world. Remembering this, when tensions build between nations, Tsukiko has the idea of exchanging friendship gifts between Japan and America. Japan will give a traditional stone lantern and America will respond with 2000 rosebushes. |
Photo: Leonie Van Eyk
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Puppets by Rod Primrose
In Tsukiko's struggle to make this happen, she learns the value of friendship and community and discovers, that even in the face of enormous global problems, we are not powerless. The better worlds we imagine can become real. Today the rosebushes are growing in Yokohama, the stone lantern stands in Seattle and Australia, we live in increasing harmony with different nations and cultures.
As seen today, the Taiko-Gata lantern in Seward Park, Seattle & The Children’s Botanic Garden in Yokohama where the American roses, or their descendants, still grow.
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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. Outside eye - Sarah Kriegler. Puppet Design Rod Primrose and Sound/Music Design Andrée Cozens. Technical support: Tim Bray |
