Hiro - The Man Who Sailed His House

In 2011, Hiromitsu Shinkawa survived a Tsunami by riding on the roof of his house for three days, before being rescued, many miles out to sea. This essentially solo story, presented as HIRO - The Man Who Sailed His House is a truly collaborative work, involving the talents of many creatives who have combined to tell this sad, but beautiful story. 

The play is based on Michael Paterniti’s story The Man Who Sailed His House, and borrows its format of telling the story in second person - almost addressing Hiro and telling him what happened - unusual in story form, but almost unheard of in a theatrical presentation.

Humphrey Bower - plays Hiro - or perhaps his spirit or inner drive - as he relates Hiro’s story from the morning of the tsunami. A sensitive, gentle and humble performance, Bower who is also a co-creator, with director Samantha Chester, draws us a picture of a simple, likeable man, an unlikely hero, who survived under extraordinary circumstances and whose survival was paired with terrible loss. Bower carries all of the spoken word in this well-told story.

Kylie Maree brings humanity to Hiro’s wife Yuko and becomes a puppeteer creating a physical form for Hiro once he “sails away” on his roof, in a surprising and beautifully creative way. An excellent physical performance.

Set Designer Rhys Morris and Lighting Designer Phoebe Pilcher have joined forces to create a visually exciting look. Highlights include the “paper motif” that might be pigeons, debris, letters or jellyfish and the portable lighting that is moved during the production. Ekrem Eli Phoenix’s composition is organic and integral to the feel of the show. Stage Manager Timothy Green also collaborated in creating the show.

HIRO - The Man Who Sailed His House is a simple, beautiful piece of theatre, presented in an exciting, surprising an imaginative way. Well worth seeing for lovers of a good adventure story, those who love physical theatre and people who love an unlikely hero.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Stephen Heath