Otosan tells the story of puppet Shizu who hides in her father’s suitcase and accompanies her to the Arctic, where they must deal with wild animals, difficult conditions, and personal conflicts. The story is based on author Shizuka Kai’s own family experiences and was co-created with Randi Edmundson and Jess Amy Shea. Promotional material explains the names:
“Otosan means ‘father’ in Japanese, but in a gentle and friendly way. It evokes a feeling of nostalgia.”
The production features crafted puppets inspired by Japanese bunraku theatre as well as other puppetry traditions. As in bunraku, puppeteers are visible on stage, with multiple artists manipulating each puppet to create greater expressiveness. The stage play also uses projection of real wildlife footage to help set the stage, and features an original score.
The Chilliwack show is aimed at a family audience and is part of the Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society’s Kids Series. Children and students can receive discount tickets. Family stage productions often use a variety of media such as banner printing and live-action performances to help create a show that is engaging to all. Little Onion Puppet Co. is a BC-based troupe whose other productions include Scribble and Freddie in the Neighbourhood.
Otosan will be performed at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s Rotary Hall Studio Theatre on the afternoon of March 21.