Courage Now at the Firehall Arts Centre
byThe Firehall Arts Centre, in association with Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre (vAct) present the world premiere of Manami Hara’s Courage Now on stage until Sunday, December 4, 2022.
Courage Now at the Firehall Arts Centre
- When: Tuesday-Saturday 7:30pm; Saturday & Sunday 3:00pm; Pay What You Can Tuesdays at 7:30pm & Wednesdays at 1:00pm
Wednesday at 1:00pm - Where: Firehall Arts Centre (280 E. Cordova St, Vancouver)
- Tickets: Available online now
Courage Now tells the story of Japanese Consul Chiune Sugihara, who helped over 6000 Polish and Lithuanian Jews escape the Nazis in 1940. Going against his government orders, he issued more than 2000 handwritten visas, risking both his life and his career. Some of those whose lives were saved have families living in British Columbia today.
“Bringing a new play to life takes time and dedication, and Manami has definitely demonstrated that,” says Artistic Producer Donna Spencer. “She has been so determined to share this amazing story of heroism with theatre audiences that throughout the past twelve years, she has been exploring ways to tell Sugihara’s story on stage. After hearing its first reading at The Firehall some time ago, I knew we needed to help make it happen, and I am so glad it will have its world premiere here in our theatre space.”
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Manami Hara is a playwright, producer, interpreter, and a translator. She became fascinated with Western theatre and the English language, and at the age of 18, left Japan to become a stage actor in North America. She moved to Vancouver, took ESL classes and graduated from Studio 58. Manami is a Jessie Richardson Theatre Award winner and nominee for her acting and collaborative creations.
Courage Now is written by Manami Hara, directed by Amiel Gladstone, and performed by Manami Hara, Ryota Kaneko, Amitai Marmorstein, Katherine Matlashewski, and Advah Soudack. For more information, follow the Firehall Arts Centre on Facebook.
