#Tokyo #Bunkamura #Marcos Morau #La Veronal

Groundbreaking New Artistic Vision

In an exhilarating announcement, genius director Marcos Morau is set to launch a transformative theatrical experience this summer—an interpretation of Yukio Mishima's iconic novel, The Temple of the Golden Pavilion. This world premiere will take place in August to September 2026 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (Playhouse), a significant moment in the global arts scene, blending Bunraku (traditional Japanese puppet theatre) with Kabuki and modern dance.

Morau, the artistic force behind the acclaimed company La Veronal, has captured the attention of the European performing arts world, with noteworthy premieres at prestigious venues such as the Paris Opera and Sadler's Wells Theatre. His work has been described as groundbreaking, constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of performance art. The forthcoming production promises a fresh interpretation of The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, using the stunning contrast of live performers and puppetry.

A Symphony of Art Forms

The creative process leading to this production reflects Morau's commitment to understanding the essence of Bunraku. He notes that the relationship between the puppeteer and the puppet is one of profound intrigue—blurring the lines between 'the mover' and 'the moved.' In Morau's eyes, these two elements often overlap, making it challenging to discern which is imbued with life and which is merely an object. His vision aims to capture the moment when the realm of 'life' and 'artifice' intertwine seamlessly on stage.

The central material of this production, Mishima's work, has profoundly influenced Morau since he first watched the film MISHIMA: A Life in Four Chapters (1985) directed by Paul Schrader. His exploration of Mishima's literature, particularly the theme that “beauty breeds destruction,” resonates with the narrative arc of Michi-yuki, where characters burdened with love and fate embark on their final journeys towards death.

This performance will not be limited to just puppets but will include actors who embody the concept of