CMU School of Drama


Thursday, March 23, 2023

New Japanese playwrights shine on the London stage

The Japan Times: While Japan may be better known to foreign theatergoers for its kabuki dramas than its contemporary plays, the British and Japanese theater companies behind the initiative hoped to nurture the talent of 14 young Japanese playwrights, with each writer having their work translated into English for potential performance on the London stage.

1 comment:

John Alexander Farrell said...

One of the most interesting aspects of the article is the way in which the Japanese dramatists are using their unique perspectives and experiences to create works that speak to universal themes and experiences. For example, the play "The Brothers Size" by Tarell Alvin McCraney, which was staged in Tokyo by a Japanese company, speaks to themes of brotherhood and masculinity that are relevant across cultures. This is a reminder that, while our experiences may differ, there are certain universal human experiences that we all share.

Another important point made in the article is the role that translation and adaptation play in bringing these works to a wider audience. By working with translators and adapting the works to suit local audiences, the Japanese dramatists are able to communicate their ideas and perspectives to a broader audience. This is a reminder that, while cultural differences may exist, there is always a way to bridge those differences and find common ground.