Otosan makes a local comeback at Gateway Theatre, February 17 to 22

The puppetry show was a hit at last year’s Vancouver International Children’s Festival

Gateway Theatre presents Otosan from February 17 to 22

AFTER A SUCCESSFUL run at last year’s Vancouver International Children's Festival, Otosan is coming back to the local stage with a mounting by Richmond’s Gateway Theatre. The show about adventure and family connection runs from February 17 to 22.

Created by the Little Onion Puppet Company, the production is suitable for patrons aged four and up and features tabletop puppetry, real wildlife projections, and an original score.

Otosan follows Shizu, a curious young girl who hides in her father’s suitcase and winds up joining him on a journey to the far North. Her father, a no-nonsense wildlife videographer, is forced to confront the challenges of his work and his relationship with his daughter as they encounter grizzly bears, snowy owls, and white wolves. The story unfolds as an exploration of love, communication, and the bonds that unite families.

Otosan is performed by Randi Edmundson, Shizuka Kai, June Fukumura, and Lisa Goebel. Inspired by the real-life experiences of Kai and her wildlife-videographer father, Otosan blends personal storytelling with stunning visuals.

In an interview with Stir, Kai explained that she wanted to showcase the tricky relationship she and others have with their fathers who don’t fit the Western description of dad.

“He’s a very traditional [Japanese] dad, he doesn’t say very much, he grunts, that’s how he talks, he doesn’t show affection,” the artist said. “There’s love there, but it’s not huggy; it’s a different kind of love.”

Otosan was created with the support of Deaf consultants Caroline Hébert and Ladan Sahraei. To further enhance accessibility, American Sign Language interpretation of the pre-show speech will be available at all performances. There will also be ASL interpretation provided at the talkback on February 22 at 10 am.

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Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson is cofounder of Stir. She is a Vancouver-based journalist who has earned local and national nominations and awards for her work. She is a certified Gladue Report writer via Indigenous Perspectives Society in partnership with Royal Roads University and is a member of a judging panel for top Vancouver restaurants.

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