Exploring Theatre's Essence: A Report on 'Before the Curtain Rises' Vol.01 Seminar

On November 13, 2025, Theatre Workshop, led by President Masaharu Ito, hosted the inaugural seminar of their new series, 'Before the Curtain Rises - Exploring the Behind the Scenes of Creation - Vol.01' at the P.O. Minami Aoyama Hall in Tokyo. This event aimed to unravel the history of the renowned Shinkansen Theatre Company, prompting participants to rethink the role and nature of theatres.

The seminar featured notable guests including theatre producer Tamako Shibahara from Village Inc., accompanied by hosts Miho Nakai, a free announcer, and Kazuhisa Tobe, a director and playwright. The discussion centered around the real-life experiences of theatrical production, highlighting the unique relationship between the audience and the performers. As the hosts navigated through the intricacies of the theatre world, guests engaged in light-hearted exchanges that were energetic and insightful.

Event Highlights

From left to right: Kazuhisa Tobe, Tamako Shibahara, Miho Nakai. The atmosphere was described by Nakai as reminiscent of a casual chat over tea, creating a comfortable environment for dialogue. The theatre was filled to capacity with an eager audience, each participant immersed in the discussion.

During the event, Tamako Shibahara shared her journey from costume staff to a key figure in theatre production. She expressed her sentiments on fostering a communal space that enriches daily life through unexpected celebrations. Shibahara emphasized the importance of collaboration among creators, supporters, and audiences to nurture the theatrical experience collectively. "Theatre is a space of celebration that transcends everyday life," she remarked, underscoring her commitment to continue collaborating with fellow theatre enthusiasts to bring joy and wonder to audiences.

Miho Nakai noted that hearing Shibahara’s candid insights on various theatres provided numerous backstage stories. She passionately emphasized the theatre's significance beyond just a physical structure, inviting participants to decode its essence.

Kazuhisa Tobe, in turn, reflected on his long-standing connection with theatre, finding renewed inspiration through Shibahara’s reflections. He expressed a desire to continue learning and growing alongside others in the creative space.

Seminar Overview

Seminar Title: 'Before the Curtain Rises - Exploring the Behind the Scenes of Creation - Vol.01'
Date: November 13, 2025, 7:00 PM
Location: P.O. Minami Aoyama Hall
Special Guest: Tamako Shibahara, Theatre Producer / President of Village Inc.
Hosts: Miho Nakai, Free Announcer / Kazuhisa Tobe, Director and Playwright
Cooperation: P.O. Real Estate Inc.
Planning and Sponsorship: Theatre Workshop

Upcoming Seminars

Exciting news! The second edition of the 'Before the Curtain Rises' seminar is set to take place in April 2026. Further details will be made available on the official website soon.

Conclusion

This new seminar series seeks to answer the fundamental question, 'What is Theatre?' At its core, it aims to shine a light on the processes of creation and expression within the performing arts. Each session will feature new guests, providing diverse perspectives on the future of theatres and redefining their value as spaces for creativity and connection. Join us in exploring the multifaceted nature of theatre, from scriptwriting to the moments that touch the audience's hearts.

Keep an eye out for further updates and insights on future seminars from Theatre Workshop, a comprehensive theatre production company dedicated to connecting people and venues, creating a vibrant theatre culture for everyone to enjoy.