The world premiere of an original, multi-disciplinary play by former CBC broadcaster Tetsuro Shigetmatsu who discovers vast worlds contained within his emotionally remote father – from the ashes of World War II and Hiroshima, to swinging London in the 1960s. As he learns about how his own father was once a son, Tetsuro realizes all the ways in which he himself needs to step up and become a better dad. Empire of the Son is a funny, emotional portrayal of parent/child relationships, and a reminder of no matter how far we journey out into the world to find ourselves – across decades and continents – we never stop being our parents’ children.
Playright & Performer: Tetsuro Shigematsu*
Director/Original Concept Dramaturgy: Richard Wolfe*
Dramaturg: Heidi Taylor
Set Design: Pam Johnson
Lighting Design: Gerald King
Costume Design: Barbara Clayden
Sound Design: Steve Charles
Audio Dramaturg: Yvonne Gall
Stage Manager: Susan Miyagishima*
Technical Director/Production Manager: Jayson McLean
Props Master: Carol Macdonald
Video Design Consultant: Remy Siu
Apprentice Stage Manager: Maria Zarrillo
Apprentice Lighting Designer: Tory Ip
Documentary Audio: Yoshiko & Akira Shigematsu
Show Dates
October 6-17, 2015 – SOLD OUT
Preview on October 6
Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm
2 pm matinees Sun Oct 11 and Sat Oct 17
October 20-24, 2015 – RUN EXTENDED – SOLD OUT
Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm
2 pm matinee Sat Oct 24
Location
At the Vancity Culture Lab at The Cultch
1895 Venables St, Vancouver
Tickets
Buy tickets online at thecultch.com or call 604-251-1363
*With permission of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.
Partners
PTC
Press Coverage
The Georgia Straight
“Tetsuro Shigematsu’s Empire of the Son is exquisite” Review by Colin Thomas
VanCity Buzz
“Empire of the Son is understated perfection” Review by Cecila Lu
Vancouver Sun
“Grief stripped raw in all its beauty: One man show is a powerful display of emotion” Review by Erika Thorkelson
