Creating Anglo-Japanese collaborative theatre since 2013
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Our relationship with Japan began when we staged the word's first theatrical adaptation of Princess Mononoke, based on the film by Hayao Miyazaki, with the kind permission of Studio Ghibli.
Two years of research and development later, Artistic Director Alexandra Rutter won a Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation Scholarship and relocated to Tokyo to immerse herself in Japanese culture and language. Since 2015, our work has been based in Tokyo, whilst maintaining our roots in the UK. We have been forging partnerships with Japanese and British artists ever since and now solely focus on creating cross-cultural, collaborative works in both countries. |
THE GARDEN OF WORDS
言の葉の庭
Official Stage Production and World Premiere
**POSTPONED until further notice due to Coronavirus/ COVID19**
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Based on the Anime from Makoto Shinkai/CoMix Wave Films 新海誠監督作品「言の葉の庭」 adapted by Whole Hog Theatre The Park Theatre, London “You’ve been living your whole life alone…” Rainy season. Tokyo. Akizuki is skipping class; Yukino should be at work. When a student and an older woman seeking solace in a Japanese garden meet by chance, their mutual feelings of alienation draw them together. But a truth is about to be uncovered. The friendship that could save them might also ruin them… Based on the stereotype-defying Anime by world-renowned director Makoto Shinkai (your name.), The Garden of Words is a modern Tokyo tale inspired by ancient Man’yōshū poetry. This subtle drama explores invisible disability, loss of human connection in a digital world and challenges us to consider the moral line between platonic and romantic longing. www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/the-garden-of-words |
Artwork: © Makoto Shinkai/CoMix Wave Films
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THE鍵KEY
A site-specific, Anglo-Japanese, dramatic musical work
Inspired by Junichiro Tanizaki’s ‘The Key’/鍵 (1956)
Inspired by Junichiro Tanizaki’s ‘The Key’/鍵 (1956)
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**WINNER OF 19th Keizo Saji Prize 2019** 第19回（2019年度）佐治敬三賞は「THE 鍵 KEY」に決定 Tête à Tête: The Opera Festival London, August 2019 Hirakushi Denchu House Tokyo, May 2019 Nakacho House - Tokyo - 2018 Composed and directed by Francesca Le Lohé Production support & dramaturgy: Whole Hog Theatre Juxtaposing constructions of "The West" and "Japanese tradition", Tanizaki's work is known for shocking erotic worlds and a search for cultural identity. Francesca Le Lohé’s adaptation explores his themes through music and dance, using both Western and Japanese instruments. 4 trios, 4 rooms, 3 vocalists, 1 dancer: each room explores a different point of view on the same story about desire, fantasy and control. What is the truth? The audience must decide. "wonderfully and meticulously crafted" schmopera |
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TRISTAN AND ISOLDE
トリスタンとイゾルデ
A new Anglo-Japanese collaboration exploring national identity in island nations
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DDD Aoyama Cross Theatre Shibuya, Tokyo 2017 Adaptation created by Whole Hog Theatre Sponsored by Nelke Planning ネルケプランニング, Produced by Gorch Brothers ゴーチ ブラブラザーズ Older and darker than Romeo and Juliet, Tristan and Isolde is a famous tale of love versus duty, and of island nations struggling with their identity. Told and retold in different times and places, it has particular poignance in our age of nationalism, protectionism and mistrust. We experimented with these spectres in an Anglo-Japanese context. With English Director, Dramaturg & Composers, and Japanese cast and crew, the play challenged actors and audience with its hybridity – and started conversations about national identity, sovereignty and xenophobia. |
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PRINCESS MONONOKE
もののけ姫
The world's first theatrical staging of Hayao Miyazaki's renowned animated film
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New Diorama Theatre, London AIIA Theatre, Tokyo 2013 Based on the animated film written and directed by Hayao Miyzaki Adapted by Whole Hog Theatre Produced by Whole Hog Theatre and The Princess Mononoke Production Committee with the kind permission of Studio Ghibli Ashitaka is a marked man. Cursed by a demon god while defending his village, he must leave his home forever to seek a cure. On his journey, he must reconcile human forces in relentless pursuit of progress with the ancient animal deities protecting the natural world. An epic ecological fable told with giant puppets made from recycled materials, physical storytelling, and a new arrangement of Joe Hisaishi's original score by Kerrin Tatman. "utterly incredible" One Stop Arts |
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