Aya, a Japanese woman, struggles to find herself as she is caught in two different worlds: Japan and Canada. Her dual cultural identity makes it difficult for her to communicate with her Japanese family, Canadian friends, strangers, and soon-to-be lover. Now it’s up to her to determine how she can find peace with her constantly evolving identity.
Decaying Tongue played at Randolph Theatre as part of Toronto Fringe Festival 2019.
touching in its honesty, interesting through specific cultural details, and compelling with its ingenious structure and staging.
Meet the Creative Team
Kaho Koda (Writer and Director) is a Japanese theatre creator and Founder/Artistic Director of Human Burrito Productions. Originally from Tokyo, she has studied and practiced theatre in Tokyo, Montreal, and is now located in Toronto. Her recent credits include Koki Mitani’s University of Laughter (Translator & Director) and Shakespeare’s Richard III (Lighting Designer). She is delighted to present her first play Decaying Tongue (Writer & Director) at the Toronto Fringe Festival 2019.
From Burlington Ontario, Lucas/Conner Bustamante (Stage Manager) is absolutely thrilled to be participating in his first Toronto Fringe Festival alongside an amazing company. Previous Stage Management Credits include Life Assignment (Theatre Nidana), URU (Humber College), and Odd Ones Out (Assistant Stage Manager)(Humber College).
Many thanks to Sarah Miller, Kristin McCollum, my parents and all those who helped and supported me throughout my career.
Marina Ho (Production Manager) is excited to be the production manager for this wonderful production! Decaying Tongue is not only Marina’s first Fringe show but first Toronto-based show. Outside of the theatre world, Marina has a strong love for her cat and food.
Tracy Kong (Set/Costume/Props Designer). After graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 2017 with an Honours Specialization in Creative Writing and English Literature, Tracy studied at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon where she graduated with an MA in Shakespeare and Creativity. During her time abroad, she worked as Set Designer, Assistant Director, and Puppeteer in collaboration with the Shakespeare Institute and Royal Shakespeare Company. In her academic work, she researched the links between Eastern Philosophy and Shakespeare’s plays. Since returning home to Toronto, she has continued to practice puppeteering, printmaking, and textile arts and works as a Writer and Theatre Designer.
Dillon Maillet (Lighting Designer) is a Lighting Designer who hails from Scarborough, Ontario. He started off in the performance programs at Wexford CSA in 2013 before switching to the production side late in his later years in attendance there. Now, he’s on track to commence his second year at Ryerson School of Performance in the Production program. Some of his credits include: Audio Technician/Asst. Head of Audio, Choreographic Works, Ryerson University (2019); Follow Spot Operator, Hair, Wexford CSA (2018); Asst. Lighting Designer, Work, Wexford CSA (2018); Lighting Designer, Christmas Showcase, Wexford Public School (2017); Head of Audio, Title Bout, Soulpepper × WPA (2017); Follow Spot Operator, One Small Step, Kids On Broadway (2017); Audio Technician, Family Stage, Taste of Lawrence Festival (2017).
Dilpreet Saund (Sound Designer) is an Audio engineer and Sound designer who is keen and passionate about music and sound. A Metalworks Graduate in Audio production and Engineering who is grateful for the opportunity to compose music in his first theatre production for Decaying Tongue.
Rutger Wink (Marketing Director) is happy to have dipped his toes in the amazing world of theatre by organizing branding and marketing for Decaying Tongue. Originally from the Netherlands, Rutger works as a Remote Marketing Specialist helping businesses with their online presence and marketing while traveling the world. A special thanks to my life partner Kaho Koda for the collaboration with this piece.Meet the Creative Team
Kaho Koda (Writer and Director) is a Japanese theatre creator and Founder/Artistic Director of Human Burrito Productions. Originally from Tokyo, she has studied and practiced theatre in Tokyo, Montreal, and is now located in Toronto. Her recent credits include Koki Mitani’s University of Laughter (Translator & Director) and Shakespeare’s Richard III (Lighting Designer). She is delighted to present her first play Decaying Tongue (Writer & Director) at the Toronto Fringe Festival 2019.From Burlington Ontario, Lucas/Conner Bustamante (Stage Manager) is absolutely thrilled to be participating in his first Toronto Fringe Festival alongside an amazing company. Previous Stage Management Credits include Life Assignment (Theatre Nidana), URU (Humber College), and Odd Ones Out (Assistant Stage Manager)(Humber College).
Many thanks to Sarah Miller, Kristin McCollum, my parents and all those who helped and supported me throughout my career.
Marina Ho (Production Manager) is excited to be the production manager for this wonderful production! Decaying Tongue is not only Marina’s first Fringe show but first Toronto-based show. Outside of the theatre world, Marina has a strong love for her cat and food.Tracy Kong (Set/Costume/Props Designer). After graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 2017 with an Honours Specialization in Creative Writing and English Literature, Tracy studied at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon where she graduated with an MA in Shakespeare and Creativity. During her time abroad, she worked as Set Designer, Assistant Director, and Puppeteer in collaboration with the Shakespeare Institute and Royal Shakespeare Company. In her academic work, she researched the links between Eastern Philosophy and Shakespeare’s plays. Since returning home to Toronto, she has continued to practice puppeteering, printmaking, and textile arts and works as a Writer and Theatre Designer.Dillon Maillet (Lighting Designer) is a Lighting Designer who hails from Scarborough, Ontario. He started off in the performance programs at Wexford CSA in 2013 before switching to the production side late in his later years in attendance there. Now, he’s on track to commence his second year at Ryerson School of Performance in the Production program. Some of his credits include: Audio Technician/Asst. Head of Audio, Choreographic Works, Ryerson University (2019); Follow Spot Operator, Hair, Wexford CSA (2018); Asst. Lighting Designer, Work, Wexford CSA (2018); Lighting Designer, Christmas Showcase, Wexford Public School (2017); Head of Audio, Title Bout, Soulpepper × WPA (2017); Follow Spot Operator, One Small Step, Kids On Broadway (2017); Audio Technician, Family Stage, Taste of Lawrence Festival (2017).Dilpreet Saund (Sound Designer) is an Audio engineer and Sound designer who is keen and passionate about music and sound. A Metalworks Graduate in Audio production and Engineering who is grateful for the opportunity to compose music in his first theatre production for Decaying Tongue.Rutger Wink (Marketing Director) is happy to have dipped his toes in the amazing world of theatre by organizing branding and marketing for Decaying Tongue. Originally from the Netherlands, Rutger works as a Remote Marketing Specialist helping businesses with their online presence and marketing while traveling the world. A special thanks to my life partner Kaho Koda for the collaboration with this piece.
Kaho Koda and Sachi lovatt joined Phil Rickaby on his podcast Stageworthy. Sachi and Kaho talk about what it means to be brought up in two cultures and how their multicultural backgrounds influenced their decision to enter the world of theatre and the arts.
