#Japan #Tokyo #Seiko Ito #Hitomi Puppet Theater #Pedro Páramo

Hitomi Puppet Theater to Present 'Pedro Páramo'

In a historic debut, the Hitomi Puppet Theater will unveil the first-ever puppet adaptation of Juan Rulfo's literary classic Pedro Páramo. Scheduled to run from March 4 to March 8, 2026, the performances will take place at the renowned Big Tree Theater in Toshima, Tokyo. With a narrative that interweaves realms of existence between the living and the dead, Rulfo's tale has long been celebrated as a quintessential work of Latin American literature, embodying themes of loss, love, and existential reflection.

About the Production

The performance will be presented across eight sessions at the venue located at 2-20-4 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima City. Tickets are now available through Confetti, managed by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd. of Shinjuku, Tokyo. The puppetry inherently lends itself to visually storytelling Rulfo's complex characters and the haunting atmosphere of the ghost town Comala, where the narrative unfolds.

This puppet show seeks to immerse audiences in the fragmented and non-linear experiences of protagonist Juan Preciado, who embarks on a journey to discover his father, Pedro Páramo. His quest leads him through a village echoing with the whispers of the deceased, blurring lines between reality and fantasy, making for a thought-provoking theatrical experience. Seiko Ito, a multi-talented creator, will lend his voice to the production and participate in after-talk sessions.

The Story Overview

The narrative revolves around the journey of Juan Preciado, who arrives in the town of Comala based on his deceased mother's dying wish. He seeks to meet his father, Pedro Páramo, only to encounter a series of mysterious figures whose existence seems suspended between life and death. The town itself resembles a haunting tribute to lost souls, where echoes of the past intertwine with the present.

Juan's exploration of his father’s dark legacy reveals the intricate tapestry of human emotions that Rulfo poignantly captures: yearning, regret, and the search for identity. Through innovative puppetry, audiences will have the opportunity to connect the story's fragmented pieces and uncover the profound truths about the human condition.

Performance Details

• - Title: Puppet Theater Pedro Páramo
• - Performance Dates: March 4 (Wed) to March 8 (Sun), 2026
• - Venue: Big Tree Theater, 2-20-4 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo

Cast and Crew

The stage will feature performances by:

• - Katsuhisa Takahashi
• - Maria Ootori
• - Kayako Kobayashi
• - Saki Shimizu
• - Masayo Yoneko
• - Yoko Okano

Voice performers include:

• - Seiko Ito
• - Katsuhisa Takahashi
• - Ryo Ito
• - Mao Ube and others.

Schedule

• - March 4: 18:30
• - March 5: 15:00
• - March 6: 15:00 / 18:30
• - March 7: 15:00 / 18:30
• - March 8: 11:00 / 15:00 (Afternoon talk session available)

Ticket Information

• - General Admission: 4,500 yen
• - U25 (Under 25): 3,000 yen
• - Students: 2,000 yen

Discounts of 500 yen are available on all ticket types as a special promotion.

Creative Team

• - Director/Writer: Masato Tomomatsu
• - Puppet Art and Costume Design: Hiromitsu Urabe
• - Sound and Lighting Design: Koji Sato

For tickets and more information, visit Confetti's official site. Join this extraordinary glimpse into one of literature's hitting wonders where the veil between life and death becomes a canvas for art and storytelling.