Mix tradition, obsession and inflexibility into a pan of sushi and you have the basics of Kimber Lee’s “tokyo fish story’.
A tale about the tradition of creating sushi, the story revolves around Koji, a shokunin or sushi master (Francis Jue) owner of “a dingy declining restaurant”, (as noted in the program) for the past 20 years. He is so fixed with the tradition of the creation of sushi he has not changed anything at his location or the way it operates. His updated competition across the street is stealing his loyal customers. His help trudge behind him with loyalty and frustration knowing the situation as it is cannot keep up with the times to succeed.
Stoic thirty-nine year old Takashi, (James Seal), Koji’s apprentice for the past 20 years, respects his mentor with frustration and patience but realizes something has to change. Nobu (Linden Tailor) a to-day guy that’s a cross between a yesterday hippie and an up to date millennial as the younger apprentice who only gets to massage octopus and brush sheets of nori across a hibachi with a sense of humor.
Ama (Nicole Javier) is the fly in the picture. She wants to be a sushi purveyor, not heard of in the traditional halls of the creators, and it is known that – “Women’s hands are too warm to make super sushi!” Stir this mix of fine characters and actors and you have a humorous and at times a sensitive interesting brew of theatre that stumbles at times but manages to right itself to keep attention.
Director Kristen Brandt brings in this jumble of characters with a strong effort adding the sensitivity needed.
TheatreWorks brought in Toshi (master Japanese sushi chef), and his wife Keiko Sakuma) from Kaygetsu Restaurant a Zagat’s Top Ten Bay Area Restaurant to teach the actors fundamental knowledge of the art of sushi making. If you ever want to know how sushi is created from scratch you will find out at a performance of this unique presentation.
This production is TheatreWorks usual first rate caliber and theatre lovers will appreciate the devoted time and effort that has gone into this interesting piece.
“tokyo fish story”
Produced by TheatreWorks
Where: Luci Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road – Palo Alto
Through: April 3
Time: 90 minutes no intermission
Tickets: $19 – $80
Information: (650) 463-1960 or visit www.theatrewworks.org
