When I lived in Tokyo, life was odd..... There was a part of me that was always "on" I know it sounds funny to say that Tokyo was a small town, but in reality, I lived in a little bit of an expat bubble. From the schools and Tokyo Families Magazine, it was often the case that people knew me wherever I went. Moreover, I was held to a kind of higher moral ground so to speak. No, it would not be cool to see a preschool and parenting magazine owner yelling at her kids in the supermarket or stumbling home from a night of reverie. ( Of course this NEEEEEEVER happened! Ha Ha!) I never realized the pressure that my life held on me until I moved away and sighed a big, deep exhale the first time I went to a park and NO ONE knew me!
That being said, my one place in Tokyo where I felt I was just ME, no responsibilities, no high moral code, was my little vestige of sanity and fun, and that was Tokyo Theater for Children. This theater group, and group of people was a place where I could be loud, crazy, even (cover your ears moral watchdogs...swear and drink and karaoke until dawn) Yes, not in the shows of course, but with this fantastic group of people that came from all areas of Tokyo life, and who really didn't give a hoot about my life outside of rehearsals (thankfully!)
I think it was 8 years that I have been part of the company. I have played "Mr. Meany", The girl from treasure island, The hare in Alice in Wonderland, a sewer rat, and elf, a pirate, and my favourite role of all....The fairy godmother!
Tonight was a truly fantastic night as one of my great friends from TTFC Caroline, came over to my house in Whistler for dinner. Our combined 6 kids played, hot tubbed, watched t.v, and were like lifelong friends, and I was so happy to sit on my patio and be with an old friend (not old in age...you know what I mean) We talked about how the theater was our escape, and how much we laughed and left reality when we rehearsed. People ask me all the time if I miss Tokyo, I can't say I miss my life there, but I will ALWAYS miss my friends that I made, and my special time that I spent with Tokyo Theater for Children.
Thanks Caroline and family for a great night!
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