ISLAND CHAINS

Supported by: Playwright’s Studio Scotland New Playwright’s Award 2021 | New Earth Theatre Professional Playwriting Programme 2020.

Shizuko, Tomiko, and Meg are three generations separated by blood, culture, and old grievances. When Shizuko's health deteriorates, her daughter and granddaughter move back in to look after her. However, each of them carry their own secrets, and, fuelled by paranoia and miscommunication, the lines between reality and fantasy start to blur. The past has them firmly in its grip until Shizuko has an idea that will save them… if it doesn't kill them first. Island Chains is about inherited trauma, what gives someone claim to a story, and if it's possible to love someone you fundamentally don't understand.

In 2020, a short version of the play (see below) was adapted and performed digitally as part of New Earth Theatre’s New Stories Festival.

Director: Joey Jepps

Cast: Yuki Sutton, Noriko Sakura, You-Ri Yamanaka