Red Snow Collective presents COMFORT
By: Rebecca Russo Nov. 23, 2016
Red Snow Collective is proud to present the world premiere of Comfort, written by Canadian playwright and performer Diana Tso (Red Snow), and directed by William Yong (Zata Omm). Comfort, a poetic yet disturbing drama that features live music, innovative staging, and stylized movement, will be presented at the Aki Studio Theatre from November 24 - December 10, 2016.
Over 200,000 girls and women from across Asia were forced into systemic military sexual slavery by the Japanese Army for the duration of the war, and were referred to as comfort women. A declaration of love, Comfort celebrates the resilience of women in the midst of unimaginable circumstances.
Following select performances, company members will join the audience for special presentations from guest artists to continue the conversation, honouring women and their stories while illustrating the power of art as a form of healing.
On Friday, November 25, Red Snow Collective will present a Gala performance of Comfort that will feature a post-performance reception with the artists and creative team.
On Saturday, November 26, following the opening night performance, Lilia Leon, local dancer and choreographer, will present a short monologue taken from her dance-theatre piece Perdida. Her work explores the feeling of being lost between cultures and yearning for guidance.
On Wednesday, November 30, local filmmaker Tiffany Hsiung will share her inspirational experiences speaking and meeting with "comfort women" for her debut feature The Apology. The film shook this year's Hot Docs Festival with its difficult but important focus of women in Asia during World War II.
On Saturday, December 3, celebrated, award-winning Canadian author Joy Kogawa will recount stories from her own life and discusses her new book Gently to Nagasaki. This courageous memoir chronicles her attempt to come to terms with her late father's dark past.
On Wednesday, December 7, post-show, enjoy temaki rolls created by chef and writer Sang Kim, using fresh Chinese and Korean ingredients. Sang wrote a play about a "comfort woman" living in Toronto called A Dream Called Laundry; and has two upcoming books, Woody Allen Ate My Kimchi and Eating Dogs. He also runs the popular cooking class Sushi Making For The Soul.
Red Snow Collective presents
Comfort
Written by Diana Tso • Directed by William Yong
November 24 - December 10, 2016
Opening Night: Saturday, November 26 @ 8pm
Aki Studio Theatre, Native Earth Performing Arts
585 Dundas Street East (Daniel's Spectrum), Toronto, ON
Starring Vania Chan, Phoebe Hu, Jen Hum, Vicki Kim, Oliver Koomsatira, Timothy Ng, Jeff Yung
Music by Constantine Caravassilis
Live Musical Accompaniment by Patty Chan, Cathy Nosaty, Brandon Miguel Valdivia
Scenic Design by William Yong • Lighting Design by Rebecca Picherack • Costume Design Erika Chong
Tuesday - Saturdays @ 8pm • Saturday Matinees @ 2pm
Preview November 24 @ 8pm • Gala Performance November 25 @ 8pm
Please see www.nativeearth.ca/comfort for a complete schedule.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
Tickets range from $15 - $28 ($48 - Gala Performance) • Pay-What-You-Can Tuesdays
Tickets can be purchased online at nativeearth.ca/boxoffice, by phone at 416-531-1402,
or in-person at Toronto Centre for the Arts' Box Office, 5040 Yonge Street
About Red Snow Collective:
- To create theatre that merges Eastern and Western storytelling forms, music and movement that engages and provokes audiences, cross borders and challenges the norm
- To speak stories that reflect universal human experiences
- To build bridges and dialogue between communities through art and theatre
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