THE FACE OF JIZO - School Show

In commemoration of 80 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

The story takes place in Hiroshima some three years after the dropping of the atomic bomb on that city on 6 August 1945. Mitsue, a young librarian, arrives home to find her father Takezo there. She has not seen him for three years. They resume their relationship as if they had never been parted, with him trying to convince her to pursue love and a new future whilst she struggles with survivors guilt.

The Face of Jizo centres on a father and daughter in the aftermath of war. Tender, beautiful and seasoned with moments of familial humour, this acclaimed Japanese play made a sold-out season of its Australian premiere at the Old Fitz Theatre in Nov 2023. 

“With its laughter and tears,” wrote leading cultural figure Saiichi Maruya, “The Face of Jizo is the greatest play of Japan’s postwar era.”

This is a tale of courage, first love, spirited fathers, and learning to embrace the ghosts of the past.

School shows include a 15-minute post-show Q&A. 

Important Information

The Face of Jizo is a Japanese theatre work by playwright Hisashi Inoue. The school shows on 27 August and 3 September will be performed in English. If you are looking for an opportunity to watch the play in Japanese with English surtitles, we have matinee performances on Saturday afternoons. For more information, you can check out the general public event page here.

Image credit: Philip Erbacher