Mizushobai

Oct 10, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023 | Studio

MIZUSHŌBAI
By Julie Tamiko Manning
Directed by Yvette Nolan

Set by Jawong Kang
Costumes by Mayumi Bergeron-Ide
Lighting by Zoe Roux
Sound and composition by Christine Lee
Stage Management by Chad Demski
Graphic Design by AJ Korkidakis
Production Management and Technical Direction by Andrew Scriver
Dramaturgy by Emma Tibaldo

Starring: Yoshie Bancroft, Hanako Brierley, Brenda Kamino, Katelyn Morishita, and Dawn Obokata.

ABOUT MIZUSHŌBAI
Mizushōbai (The Water Trade) explores the life of Kiyoko Tanaka-Goto, a Japanese picture-bride turned ‘underground’ businesswoman in 1930’s British Columbia. It delves into her history, not as a clichéd dragon-lady madam (although at times, perhaps she is), nor as a dutiful daughter (although at times, perhaps she is), nor as a submissive and sexualized female Asian body (although at times, perhaps she is), but as a valuable member of Canadian society who had to fight against expectation, and for autonomy and recognition every step of the way.

Audience Advisory

• Recommended age: 14+
• Sexual references

Mizushōbai was developed in collaboration with Playwrights' Workshop Montréal.