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.
Based on true events, it is enacted through imaginative visuals, narration & puppetry with some Japanese dialogue that's fun for an English speaking audience. In essence, the play looks at the power of friendships – how it changes people, cultures, history and nations. |
Photo: Leonie Van Eyk
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The performance begins 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.
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Then a terrible earthquake devastates Yokohama and Tsukoko’s rebuilds after aid arrives from around the world. Remembering this, when tensions build between nations, Tsukoko has the idea of exchanging gifts between Japan and America. Japan will give a traditional stone lantern and America will respond with 1000 rosebushes.
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Puppets by Rod Primrose
In making this happen, Tsukoko discovers the importance of friends – Yuuto her neighbour, Frank an American gardener, her pet dog Tōrō and a grumpy cat named Rose. However despite exchanging gifts, World War Two occurs and the rosebushes can only be saved when everyone in the community helps.
Ultimately Tsukoko succeeds. Today the rosebushes are growing in Yokohama, the stone lantern stands in Seattle and Australia, we live in harmony with different nations and cultures.
Ultimately Tsukoko succeeds. Today the rosebushes are growing in Yokohama, the stone lantern stands in Seattle and Australia, we live in 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 & performed by Mark Penzak. Directed Sarah Kriegler. Design Ken Evans. Puppet Design Rod Primrose and Sound/Music Design Andrée Cozens. 
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