Tōrō & Rose
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Commissioned by the Australian Children’s Theatre Foundation and touring through Regional Arts Victoria in June 2020 - Tōrō & Rose is a captivating, thoughtful performance for the entire primary school age-range. It is enacted through exciting blend of imaginative visuals, narration & puppetry. Some of the dialogue is in Japanese but the meaning is always clear and fun to follow.
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The story is based on historical events and opens in a tiny shop, in Yokohama 1923, that's owned by a young, strong woman named Tsukoko. Her shop sells beautiful paper objects such as fans, lanterns and parasols. These are used in the play to suggest earthquakes, ocean voyages and rose gardens.
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In the play we see Tsukoko caught in a terrible earthquake. That historical event destroyed much of Yokohama but also created a massive international aid programme. Help came from many nations, including Australia but especially United States. Eight years later, nations around the world are building armies and Tsukoko has the idea of exchanging gifts with America to remind everyone of the time when they were friends.
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She will send to America a Stone Lantern and Frank, an American gardener, will return 1000 rosebushes transported on the ship, the Hie Maru.
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Despite those gifts, war breaks out and Tsukoko and Frank, helped by her pet dog Toro and a grumpy cat named Rose, along with friends and strangers must work together to not only to save the lantern and flowers but to plant the seeds for the future peace our nations enjoy today.
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. |
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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. For further information or bookings, contact Pippin Davies, Regional Arts Victoria
www.rav.net.au pdavies@rav.net.au 03 9644 1800 |
