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Hachioji Arts Festival: New Play Readings

Join us at the Hachioji Arts Festival for a unique opportunity to engage with theater in an innovative format. The excitement lies not only in the performances but in the act of reading a play aloud for the first time. This year's festival features a series of new play readings that invite both creators and audiences to share in the journey of bringing fresh narratives to life.

The concept, referred to as "New Play Reading," captures a sentiment familiar to all creators: the thrill and uncertainty of presenting a work in its earliest stages. There's something exhilarating about hearing actors navigate through virgin scripts, echoing the nervous anticipation of a rehearsal's opening day. Each of the new works presented this December has undergone the development process, leading to this significant moment of initial reading.

The festival will present three new works:
1. "Burning Up (Tentative)" by Emi Oishi (Dadalz) at 15:30 on December 6
2. "Dance of the Funny Faces" by Yoshirō Nakao (Sansakusya) at 17:10 on December 6
3. "Night Tour (Tentative)" by Daichi Nakamura (Yaneura Heights) at 18:50 on December 6

And similar presentations will occur for the second day, December 7:
1. "Night Tour (Tentative)" by Daichi Nakamura at 13:00
2. "Burning Up (Tentative)" by Emi Oishi at 14:40
3. "Dance of the Funny Faces" by Yoshirō Nakao at 16:20

Each reading is planned to last approximately 75 minutes, including an after-talk session that will foster deeper engagement and discussion among the audience and creators about the unique insights from each presentation.

The venue for this engaging event is the domestic science room at the Eighth Elementary School in Hachioji City. Participation is free, but registration is required. You can secure your spot through the event's official site.

Background of the Participating Creators:

• - Emi Oishi is the founder of Dadalz, known for her innovative approach to dialogue in theater. In her latest work, she explores what it means to create fresh characters from different perspectives after years of focusing on solo performances.
• - Yoshirō Nakao leads Sansakusya, where he synthesizes playful elements of expression through stagecraft, most recently focusing on the limitless possibilities of facial expressions in his work, "Dance of the Funny Faces."
• - Daichi Nakamura, the director of Yaneura Heights, approaches storytelling with a unique lens, drawing inspiration from personal experiences that enrich his dramatic narratives.

The Hachioji Arts Festival, which commenced in 2023, integrates local history, nature, and culture, seamlessly intertwining them with diverse artistic works. Attendees are encouraged to experience this celebration of creativity, where they can become "travelers" encountering the unique landscapes and stories of Hachioji.

Don't miss this exciting chance to witness the firsthand experience of new theatrical expressions while engaging in vibrant discussions with fellow audience members, actors, and creative minds. We look forward to welcoming everyone!

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Event Details:

• - Dates: December 6 (Saturday) & December 7 (Sunday)
• - Venue: Domestic Science Room, Eighth Elementary School, 2065 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji, Tokyo
• - Entry Fee: Free (pre-registration required)
• - Registration Link: Register Here