firefly / a foreigner's tale

“a firefly that flies too far and burns too bright” - these are the words to describe a generational line of women whose spirits are forced to be contained by their political surroundings. as hotaru looks back on her life, confronting her time in the japanese internment camps, her granddaughter, chiyako, looks forward to her future, unsure of how to proceed in a way that will both fulfill her own desires and...

“a firefly that flies too far and burns too bright” - these are the words to describe a generational line of women whose spirits are forced to be contained by their political surroundings. as hotaru looks back on her life, confronting her time in the japanese internment camps, her granddaughter, chiyako, looks forward to her future, unsure of how to proceed in a way that will both fulfill her own desires and live up to the sacrifices her family has made for her. in this new play, inherited experience ties these two generations together as they fight for the freedom to love while inhabiting a skin they can’t escape.

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firefly / a foreigner's tale

Recommended by

  • Morey Norkin: firefly / a foreigner's tale

    Misao McGregor weaves a beautiful tale of generations of women searching for their dreams but restrained by culture - first in their native Japan and then as immigrants to America. The desire, and in some cases the pressure, to maintain traditional values, poses unique challenges along generational lines. Highly theatrical, almost ethereal like the central character’s namesake, Hotaru (firefly). I hope this lovely play finds its way to the stage where it can shine.

    Misao McGregor weaves a beautiful tale of generations of women searching for their dreams but restrained by culture - first in their native Japan and then as immigrants to America. The desire, and in some cases the pressure, to maintain traditional values, poses unique challenges along generational lines. Highly theatrical, almost ethereal like the central character’s namesake, Hotaru (firefly). I hope this lovely play finds its way to the stage where it can shine.

Character Information

  • Hotaru
    Character Age
    20
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Asian -- Japanese
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Kenshin
    Also plays NURSE KENJI
    Character Age
    20
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Asian -- Japanese
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Indigo
    Also plays WHITE BOI
    Character Age
    20
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Chiyako
    Character Age
    22
  • Azumi
    Character Age
    40
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Asian -- Japanese
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Grandma
    Character Age
    60
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Asian -- Japanese
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Diana
    Character Age
    23
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latino -- Guatemalan
  • Dreamer
    Also plays SAKURA
    Character Age
    Ageless
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Asian -- Japanese
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Theater Capstone Festival at Connecticut College, Year 2018