Theatre Esprit Asia and Vintage Theatre Productions are proud to announce “The Oldest Boy”, a joint collaboration opening at Vintage Theatre on September 16, 2016. “The Oldest Boy”, written by Sarah Ruhl, is a regional premiere, directed by Vintage’s Artistic Director, Craig Bond. Ruhl’s charming little play originally premiered at the Lincoln Center in December of 2014, and has only been produced a handful of times.
A Tibetan story, takes place in modern America. The character of Mother, is a Caucasian woman who has married a Tibetan man. Father, even though he was arranged to be married, eloped with Mother against his parents’ wishes. Mother and Father’s son is three years old by the time two Tibetan Monks arrive at their door. Believed to be the reincarnation of a lama, their son, Tenzin, is asked to be examined. If he is determined to be the destined child, the monks will ask to raise Tenzin in India, and he will be groomed to become a high ranking lama. If chosen, Mother and Father must decide if honoring their family will quell the devastation of giving up their son.
Ruhl paints a vivid and conflicted family, built on the cusps of culture and religion. The differences they have overcome in their young marriage will be tested, as Mother realizes the commitments required with marrying a Tibetan Buddhist, and possibly becoming one. Ruhl also does an incredible job at capturing the Tibetan experience through the perspective of the Father character – “My culture is dying. It is like salt dissolving into water…”
Candace Joice and Charlee Chiv play the roles of the conflicted couple. TEA’s own Assistant Artistic Directors, Robert Payo and Peter Trinh, play the roles of Monk and Lama. While the role of Tenzin, the three-year-old boy, is played by a puppet, and three puppeteers: Sushma Bagga, Deepali Lindblom, and Kenneth Burba. The puppet is presented in a bunraku style, and is mesmerizing, inhabiting both the three year-old-boy and the spirit of the reincarnated lama.
“The Oldest Boy” runs September 16th – October 23rd at Vintage Theatre at 1468 Dayton Street in Aurora. Tickets run $25-$30, and can be purchased at www.vintagetheatre.org.
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