Empire of the Son
Acclaimed Drama
Separated by a generation, connected by blood
EMPIRE OF THE SON
By Tetsuro Shigematsu
Directed by Richard Wolfe
Produced by Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre
November 8 - 17, 2018 • Studio B
Tickets only $29
Two Generations and the Silence Between Them
In this acclaimed autobiographical one-man show, Tetsuro Shigematsu (former host of CBC Radio’s The Roundup) tells the dynamic tale of an emotionally distant father, Akira, whose legacy is felt beyond his lifetime. Empire of the Son sold out its entire 2015 world premiere run and was named the ‘Best Theatre Show of 2015’ by the Vancouver Sun. It was also sold out during the 2016 remount prior to opening.
From the ashes of Hiroshima to swinging 1960s London, Empire of the Son shows how Akira's incredible personal history has influenced two generations. Tetsuro paints an intimate portrait of the evolving connection between father and son, and the deep-seated love for one another that they both struggle to express. Though separated by language, culture and history, what truly keeps father and son apart is their similarities.
Empire of the Son is a funny, emotional, and deeply thoughtful portrayal of the profound bond between a father and son. It is a reminder that no matter how far we journey out into the world to find ourselves – across decades and continents – we will never stop being our parents' children.
"A powerful display of emotion...a riveting theatrical experience." - Vancouver Sun
Audience considerations: Mature subject matter. Recommended age: 12+
SHOW TIMES & SPECIAL EVENTS
| PR = Preview | OP = Opening Night |
| AP = Afterplay | TBT = Talkback Thursday |
All special events are free with ticket, unless otherwise noted. Learn more about our Special Events!
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ARTISTIC TEAM
| Writer/Performer TETSURO SHIGEMATSU* |
| Artistic Producer DONNA YAMAMOTO |
| Director/Original Concept Dramaturgy RICHARD WOLFE* |
| Dramaturg HEIDI TAYLOR |
| Set Designer PAM JOHNSON |
| Lighting Designer GERALD KING |
| COstume Designer BARBARA CLAYDEN |
| Sound Designer STEVE CHARLES |
| Audio Dramaturg YVONNE GALL |
| Video Design REMY SIU |
| Technical Director ANDREW PYE |
| Props Master CAROL MACDONALD |
| Stage Manager SUSAN MIYAGISHIMA* |
| Production Manager ADRIAN MUIR |
| Doucmentary Audio YOSHIKO & AKIRA SHIGEMATSU |
*With the generous support of Canadian Actors' Equity Association
PRESS COVERAGE
"Tetsuro Shigematsu’s Empire of the Son is exquisite"- Colin Thomas,The Georgia Straight
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"Empire of the Son is understated perfection"- Cecilia Lu,VanCity Buzz
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"Grief stripped raw in all its beauty: One man show is a powerful display of emotion"- Erika Thorkelson,Vancouver Sun
"Empire of the Son: Tetsuro Shigematsu walks in the shadow of his father"- Kelsey Klaseen,Westender
Single show tickets on sale NOW!
Tickets from $29
2018/2019 SEASON
Sep 27 - Oct 6, 2018
LES BELLES-SOEURS
Nov 8 - 17, 2018
EMPIRE OF THE SON
Dec 6 - 31, 2018
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Feb 7 - 16, 2019
YOGA PLAY
March 14 - 23, 2019
GROSS MISCONDUCT
April 4 - 13, 2019
GLORY
