The Golden Hours

Synopsis

A family altar room in rural Taiwan, where the recently deceased mother lies on a bed surrounded by sheer curtains, as the soft chanting of “Namo Amituofo” plays in the background.

June, an expatriate Taiwanese woman, returns home after her mother’s death to find her brother Shinger already keeping vigil. As they navigate the complex rituals of Taiwanese Buddhist funeral traditions, the siblings grapple with unresolved family tensions, personal losses, and the weight of cultural expectations.

Cowhig’s play delves into themes of grief, cultural identity, and family dynamics within the context of Taiwanese funeral practices. Through the siblings’ interactions and their attempts to honor their mother’s passage to the afterlife, the play explores the clash between traditional beliefs and modern practicalities. The ritual of the “golden hours” – the crucial period immediately following death – becomes a metaphor for the fleeting moments of connection and understanding between family members. As June and Shinger negotiate funeral arrangements and confront hidden truths, The Golden Hours offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family across cultural and generational divides.