In the southern Japanese region of Kyūshū during WW2, the young pilots of the military base of Chiran, would always have their meals at the nearby "Tomiya Shokudo".
This dining hall was named after its owner Tome Torihama, who use to run the Shokudo before and after the war.
In 1945 the pilots of the Japanese Special Attack Units, commonly known as “Kamikaze”, would share with Tome some of their stories and leave behind their last wishes and dreams, before beginning what was, for many of them, their last mission.
Tome tells us her story and the one of far too young “Kamikaze” pilots, in times where it seemed reasonable to somebody, to send the youngest generation of a nation to die in vain, in a completely senseless mission during an already lost war.
The question comes spontaneously: Is there any scenario where this sacrifice is acceptable?
"The Last Letters" is a storytelling played by Tomoya Kawamura, inspired freely by the story of Tome Torihama and the historical facts of World War II.
The play delicately unveils the difference of perspectives between the lives of ordinary people in the midst of a largely devastating war and those, who lightly make the decision of joining a conflict, compromising the lives of millions in the name of false ideals and personal satisfaction.
The storyteller switches swiftly between different characters, drawing attention to the ordinary, everyday life of civilians during wartime, bringing to light the warmth and resilience found in Tome's Shokudo, where the young pilots sought comfort and familiarity amid the complexities of their reality.
The performance, while looking at the historical facts, invites the audience to reflect on the lives of those caught in the crossfire, the impact of censorship, and the exchanges embodied in the last letters penned by the kamikaze pilots.
Performance and Concept by Tomoya Kawamura
Directed by Francesco Procopio
Co-Written by Tomoya Kawamura & Francesco Procopio
Masks by Richard Dent & Francesco Procopio
Premiere
19. 20. December 2024 at 20:00
Neue Bühne Friedrichshain
Boxhagener Str. 18, 10245 Berlin
To book your ticket in advance,
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