Theatre Emerging from the Gap Between Words and the Body — Reflections from Fukushima and Okinawa

Theatre Emerging from the Gap Between Words and the Body — Reflections from Fukushima and Okinawa
Free Performance Announcement – Artist Development Program
This artist development program explores the “gaps” and theatrical pauses (“ma”) that arise between one’s body and words, cultivating creative forms of expression that move beyond realism.
As part of the program, participants will present a work-in-progress performance showcasing the outcomes of their research and creation.
We would be delighted if you could join us at the theatre.
We look forward to welcoming you!

Written by Izumi Kasagi
Directed by Yuka Nishimoto

Hayato Iwata (Yoshimoto Kogyo Okinawa Office)
Ito Aoyagi
Shoko Fujimatsu (Seinen-dan)
Yuto Mishimaki
Mia Yajima
Ryotaro Tachiki (Bungaku-za)

 

Izumi Kasagi
Playwright, Director, Actor
Began working as an actor while studying at Japan Women’s University after joining Akio Miyazawa’s theatre company Yuenchi Saisei Jigyodan (Amusement Park Reincarnation Project). Currently leads the solo theatre unit “Snuunuu”. In recent years, has gained recognition as both a playwright and director, receiving the 2025 Kunio Kishida Drama Award for 100 Years to the Sea. Other major works include The Sea of Moscow and The Beginning of a Long Time.

Yuka Nishimoto
Graduated from the Directing Course of the Department of Theatre, College of Art, Nihon University. Joined the Bungakuza Theatre Institute (46th class) in 2006 and became a full company member in 2012.
Has worked extensively as an assistant director for Hitoshi Uyama and Yuko Matsumoto, both within Bungakuza and on external productions. Made a directorial debut at the Bungakuza Atelier in December 2018 with Joe Egg. From January 2019, spent one year in Germany under the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Program of Overseas Study for Upcoming Artists, training at the Maxim Gorki Theater and the Schaubühne in Berlin.
Recent directing credits include Illness (Natori Office / Kichijoji Theatre), Andorra (Bungakuza Atelier Association), Ms. Minemura (Gekidan Garuba), and Bungakuza Atelier’s production of Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht. The production Andorra: A Play in Twelve Scenes (presented by Bungakuza, directed by Yuka Nishimoto) received the Odashima Yushi Award for Best Translation of a Play.