Celebrating 20 Years of Taiwanese Theater with Yukio Mishima's "Yūkoku" in Shimokitazawa
In an exciting move that honors the legacy of Taiwanese theater, Akatsuki Theater is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary by staging Yukio Mishima's renowned play “Yūkoku” (The Patriarch). This highly-anticipated performance will take place at Shimokitazawa’s ‘Geki’ theater from February 12 to February 14, 2026, and is part of the Shimokitazawa Theater Festival.
Akatsuki Theater has a remarkable history, having presented various genres of plays in Japan over the years. In 2013, they were invited to showcase “Midsummer Horror Tales” at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Arts Festival, marking a significant milestone. The theater further expanded its reach with international collaborations at the Asia Performing Arts Festival and the Tokyo Arts Festival in 2015, followed by a much-lauded performance of “Scorched Earth” at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre in 2016. Their collaborative work with Emiko Agatsuma, “The Sound of Itako,” premiered in 2020 and has also received high praise, reflecting Akatsuki’s commitment to innovative and culturally rich storytelling.
This upcoming production of “Yūkoku” stands out as it invites audiences to delve into themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The story captures the inner struggle of a lieutenant who is torn between duty and morality, forced to confront his loyalty to a rebellious faction which challenges his ideals. Presented in a poetic narrative that explores life and death, Mishima’s text reflects a unique aesthetic that has resonated with audiences both in Japan and beyond.
Director John Boyuen, who has a unique vision for this production, will expand the narrative’s language through the use of Taiwanese dialects and sign language. This added layer aims to enhance the play’s exploration of identity, making it a multi-faceted experience for the audience. Boyuen expresses that the themes of passion and death in “Yūkoku” present significant challenges within the theater. He asks poignant questions about the pursuit of values—even those at the risk of one’s life—inviting audiences to reflect on what these beliefs mean in today’s society.
The last time “Yūkoku” was staged, in 2018, it garnered significant acclaim. Seven years later, the context has shifted—democracy, human rights struggles, and global crises have changed our perspectives and experiences. The 20th-anniversary performance will act as a forum for dialogue across time, engaging with themes that reflect both national and existential concerns.
Akatsuki Theater aims to serve as a bridge between the past and future, using this performance to reflect on their journey while paving a new path forward. With over 40 productions under their belt, the theater aims to continue a dialogue with modern society, shedding light on social issues, literature, and folklore through their works.
Tickets for “Yūkoku” are now available through Confetti, operated by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd. Audiences are encouraged to experience this dynamic theatrical interpretation by the Taiwanese troupe, diving deeper into the artistic perspective and its relevance in today’s climate.
Title: “Yūkoku” (The Patriarch)
Dates: February 12-14, 2026
Venue: Shimokitazawa Geki Theater Location: 2-6-6 Kitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo
Original Play: Yukio Mishima
Director: John Boyuen
Purchase tickets at the Confetti website for an opportunity to witness a production that promises both depth and beauty, inviting contemplation of contemporary issues through the lens of classic theater.
Akatsuki Theater has a remarkable history, having presented various genres of plays in Japan over the years. In 2013, they were invited to showcase “Midsummer Horror Tales” at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Arts Festival, marking a significant milestone. The theater further expanded its reach with international collaborations at the Asia Performing Arts Festival and the Tokyo Arts Festival in 2015, followed by a much-lauded performance of “Scorched Earth” at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre in 2016. Their collaborative work with Emiko Agatsuma, “The Sound of Itako,” premiered in 2020 and has also received high praise, reflecting Akatsuki’s commitment to innovative and culturally rich storytelling.
This upcoming production of “Yūkoku” stands out as it invites audiences to delve into themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The story captures the inner struggle of a lieutenant who is torn between duty and morality, forced to confront his loyalty to a rebellious faction which challenges his ideals. Presented in a poetic narrative that explores life and death, Mishima’s text reflects a unique aesthetic that has resonated with audiences both in Japan and beyond.
Director John Boyuen, who has a unique vision for this production, will expand the narrative’s language through the use of Taiwanese dialects and sign language. This added layer aims to enhance the play’s exploration of identity, making it a multi-faceted experience for the audience. Boyuen expresses that the themes of passion and death in “Yūkoku” present significant challenges within the theater. He asks poignant questions about the pursuit of values—even those at the risk of one’s life—inviting audiences to reflect on what these beliefs mean in today’s society.
The last time “Yūkoku” was staged, in 2018, it garnered significant acclaim. Seven years later, the context has shifted—democracy, human rights struggles, and global crises have changed our perspectives and experiences. The 20th-anniversary performance will act as a forum for dialogue across time, engaging with themes that reflect both national and existential concerns.
Akatsuki Theater aims to serve as a bridge between the past and future, using this performance to reflect on their journey while paving a new path forward. With over 40 productions under their belt, the theater aims to continue a dialogue with modern society, shedding light on social issues, literature, and folklore through their works.
Tickets for “Yūkoku” are now available through Confetti, operated by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd. Audiences are encouraged to experience this dynamic theatrical interpretation by the Taiwanese troupe, diving deeper into the artistic perspective and its relevance in today’s climate.
Performance Details
Title: “Yūkoku” (The Patriarch)
Dates: February 12-14, 2026
Venue: Shimokitazawa Geki Theater Location: 2-6-6 Kitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo
Original Play: Yukio Mishima
Director: John Boyuen
Cast
- - Zheng Yongyuan
- - Chen Jiayi
- - Chen Yichiao
- - Li Zhiyuan
- - Fang Jiarong
- - Yang Qiyin
- - Zheng Qiyao
- - Yan Jieyun
Schedule
- - February 12, 2026 - 19:00
- - February 13, 2026 - 19:00
- - February 14, 2026 - 14:00
- - February 14, 2026 - 18:00
Ticket Pricing
- - General Admission: ¥5,000
- - Setagaya Resident Discount: ¥4,500
Purchase tickets at the Confetti website for an opportunity to witness a production that promises both depth and beauty, inviting contemplation of contemporary issues through the lens of classic theater.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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