Obscured truths come to light in Hideki Noda’s ‘Fakespeare’
William Shakespeare is one of the world’s most influential playwrights, but his life continues to be shrouded in mystery. Since his death in 1616 at the age of 52, no ...
Israel Galvan renews the passion of a long love affair
Flamenco — the exuberant dance form originating from Andalusia in southern Spain — has long thrived in Japan, with many of the greats traveling here to perform. There is even a popular claim that Japan has more flamenco academies than Spain. “In this country flamenco ...
A take on ‘The Tempest’ that aims to broaden your horizons
“The Tempest: Swimming for Beginners” incorporates the real-life experiences of its cast members with disabilities, as well as the challenges of living through a pandemic.
Rakugo community looks to crowdfunding for survival of theaters
The entertainment halls are under threat from the coronavirus pandemic, incurring losses of around ¥2 million to ¥3 million every month, sources say.
'Yabuhara Kengyo' shows audiences that justice isn't always blind
Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke IV takes on the role of Suginoichi, the cunning antihero of Hisashi Inoue's play about social oppression.
Secrets of the Oslo Accords come to light on stage
Playwright J.T. Rogers' drama about the clandestine negotiations that led to the historic agreements reveals what went on behind the scenes.
Kyoto Experiment marks a new era
The international performing arts festival has three new program directors and a renewed focus on experimentation.
Expect revivals and VR from the stage as theater continues to deal with the coronavirus
In his 1964 anthem, “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” Bob Dylan sings: “As the present now / Will later be past / The order is rapidly fadin’...” At the time, he may have had social turmoil in mind when he wrote those lyrics, but the ...
Composer Dai Fujikura's new opera tackles fear and uncertainty
“A Dream of Armageddon” is based on H.G. Wells' prescient short story about weapons of mass destruction and totalitarianism.
‘Knife’ critiques human nature through mime and dance
Choreographer Shuji Onodera was given total artistic freedom to create his adaption of Guy de Maupassant’s “Boule de Suif” with a multicultural cast.
Contemporary performing arts festival stays open to new possibilities despite COVID-19
Festival/Tokyo, known for its focus on young artists and edgy productions, has shifted the annual festival's emphasis from live performances to online ones.
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ conjures dark fantasies
Director Silviu Purcarete reveals the murky and bizarre aspects of humanity in a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy about love and magic.
