by: Paper Monkey
20 - 22nd July 2010, Tues - Thurs,
3pm & 3:30pm
120mins (no intermission, inclusive of Esplanade Tour)
Esplanade Recital Studio
Recommended Age Group: 11 – 16 yrs old

In the 1950's, the coastal waters around Minamata, Japan, were poisoned with mercury due to industrial run off from a local factory. Over 3,000 people who ate seafood from the town's coastal waters were sickened with mercury poising and suffered permanent harm. Yet, because of cultural constraints, "Minamata", as it is known, is not discussed within Japan. The victims of this poisoning live as shut-ins, fearful of embarrassment and exposure to the general public. Today, Minamata disease remains an important issue in contemporary Japanese society. Lawsuits are still continuing and many regard the government responses to date as inadequate."

Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minamata_disease to find out more about Minamata.

Based on the true story of what happened at Minamata, Mercury chronicles the struggle of four families of the Minamata Bay in exacting justice and compensation for this ecological and human tragedy.

Mercury will

  • Invoke personal responses from each of the students after the production:
    • Who is to be blamed for this incident – the villagers, the CEOs of the big cooperation, the city people or the media that turned a deaf ear to the event?
    • What is price of progress of a nation?
    • How can I play a part to maintain the balance of nature?

Mercury is a griping and intense theatrical production that serves as an important and powerful metaphor for contemporary environmental issues.

A must watch for all.

Tickets: $20

(excluding $1 SISTIC booking fee)

Click here to book your tickets now!

More about F.Y.I.