Set about 10 years after the atomic bombing ended World War II. The synopsis of a Japanese teenage street-child named Kyushu admitted to hospital with unknown reasons as to her problematic eye sight, incorporates the more well-known true story of 12 year old Sadako, who set out to create a thousand origami cranes whilst dying of leukemia from radiation caused by the bomb. The play is headed in the Director’s Note as “Emotional, Serious, Powerful”.

Remembering at all times that this story is a very real and accurate representation of what would have happened to hundreds of families and children, I had a special interest in seeing this play as I have been to the The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), the only structure left standing near the hypocenter of the first atomic bomb remaining in the condition from the explosion. Whilst there, I was handed paper cranes which were placed into my palm and those of my children. In fact, I have one of these symbolic carefully folded creations immediately in front of me on my desk as I write. It is always, at first, sombering to look at, but then brings a message of hope, so I feel it appropriate to work somewhat “backwards” in my review.

POWERFUL – The final stance on stage between Kyushu (Midori Hong) and Lilly (Sara Riippa) is extremely strong. Kyushu has accepted that not all Americans are to blame and that there are those who were motivated to help her. Her sight is clearer, not only physically but mentally. From her hospital bed, with beeping machines and constant doctor visits, she has shared her childhood view of how she felt helpless to help in a scenario no-one should ever need to endure.

Understandably, she had to block out her worst memories and ignore the efforts of those around her and her typical speech and behaviour of a teenager does not go unnoticed, but she has survived. By slowly working the pieces together, Dr. Takamura (Sam Cay) and Dr. Frizzel (Michelle Rooke) expertly uncover Kyushu’s history and as to whether or not her circumstances have led to her suffering ‘A-bomb’ illness.

SERIOUS – Sadako (Danielle Zuccala) would be a difficult role to play. It required the actress to go from her ability of arriving at the hospital still able to chat, stand and walk with a positive outlook on staying strong, and hold that positivity through to the end whilst making her paper cranes and whilst flailing in her health. Danielle was very good in this role, her stature dropped as it was required, her voice changed as it was required, but her expression of positivity remained. She made me think about this character a lot on the way home, her character was the reason I am looking at the paper crane on my desk.

EMOTIONAL – The entire supporting cast are excellent. Benjamin Chester playing ‘The Assistant’ had me at times not liking him at all and then finding him endearing. I could watch him forever and I imagine he could play any role given to him, as too could Carmen Moschietto playing ‘The Cockroach Woman’. Half the audience jumped out of their seats with fright at her, but her realism in engulfing the pain which we must remember was suffered to the extreme by so many is real, very real, and she made it felt to the point that more than one shiver ran through me.

The remaining roles all support the story set on stage and their character personalities are well-rehearsed performances, especially given some are not playing their actual age and that this is a topic far removed from these young people’s lives. They would have needed to use a great amount of empathy to be involved in any part of this script. The ‘movie’ scene is one of few with laughter initiated, but in this scene there is an abundance of acting skills allowing us to join in. It was good to have this effort remind us of how a smile can help.

Exceptional work by Director Oscar Lanigan, Producers Lucy Butler, Emily Brown & Adam Porrett and their creative and stage teams. You have taken a story completely out of anyone’s comfort zone and told it well, very well indeed.

Their first show since COVID-19 the play is presented at Camberwell Grammar School by Camberwell Grammarians’ Theatre Company (CGTC) – Instagram:@cgtheatreco

The underground parking and signage to Middleton Theatre within the school grounds was easy through Gate 3 on Mont Albert Rd. A canteen operated and programs were provided free of charge. This current play is running 17-19 July 2024. CGTC encourage new interest for future productions via emailing cgtheatreco@gmail.com

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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