The year is 1543. Somewhere between the Japanese Island of Tanegashima and the unknown seas, a Portuguese ship sets sail to return home with new goods from Japan. Two feuding countries. An invasion. An enslavement. And a long six month journey ahead. Two young girls find each other through the thick of the political chaos. Kira Yamamoto, a frail Japanese girl, has been stripped away from her family and forced into isolation on the Portuguese ship. Through a childish adventure, the bright-eyed youthful Portuguese, Maria Peixoto, stumbles upon Kira’s isolated room. Tensions arise when the girls reveal their purpose for being on the voyage, which causes them to divert their friendship.
The first Europeans to arrive in Japan did so by accident rather than design. In 1543 a Portuguese ship was blown off course by a typhoon, landing on the south-west tip of Japan. Thus began their on-and-off relations. Fueled by fascination, the Portuguese began to trade goods with Japan, such as Chinese porcelain and silk. In return, Japan would trade silver and lacquerware. Most importantly, however, their friendly affairs came to a halt as the Portuguese took advantage of their newfound trade route, using it to ship and sell Japanese girls for sex. With the Dutch having extensive trading rights for most of the seventeenth century, the two countries only met again in the world wars. Unlike the first World War, where they both sided with the allies, the second world war brought about new conflict. Japan succeeds Timor, a portuguese island north of Australia, in a battle during WWII. Blood is shed as the countries reunite, fighting on opposite sides of the World War.
The complicated history of Japan and Portugal is one of friendship and peace tainted by colonialism, enslavement, and deep animosity; their connection is often overlooked by history. Though they stand on mere opposite sides of the globe, today, both countries hold embassies for the other, recognizing their lingering impact on each other’s history.
The play parallels history within its narrative as both girls represent their respective countries. By putting history in the hands of two young girls on the verge of womanhood, the story reveals the humanity behind written history. How can two young girls on the verge of adolescence from feuding countries, find common ground? How do we find a sense of home within the people we are trained to oppose?
Production Team
