The Japanese Premiere of Greek Comedy 'Peace' to Feature P. Gessner's Direction

The Japanese Premiere of Greek Comedy 'Peace'

The acclaimed Greek comedy "Peace" by Aristophanes will be making its Japanese debut, showcasing the extraordinary vision of German director P. Gessner. This production is scheduled to take place from October 17 to October 19, 2025, at the Ryogoku Theater X, located in Sumida, Tokyo. The performance is organized by Uzume Theater, marking their 42nd production.

Tickets on Sale

Tickets are currently available through Confetti, operated by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd., based in Shinjuku, Tokyo. You can find more details and purchase tickets on the 🎟️ official website.

A Historical Context of Laughter

As Japan commemorates 80 years of post-war history, this revival of a 2,500-year-old Greek play is poised to resonate with audiences. "Peace," scripted during the Peloponnesian War, uses humor and satire to tackle issues of war and peace. The adaptation seen in this production has been translated into Japanese by Ayako Goto, based on Peter Hacks' version, originally performed over 600 times in Berlin during the Cold War era.

Gessner, who has lived through various historical movements, brings a profound understanding of conflict and societal issues. He founded Uzume Theater in Kitakyushu after relocating to Japan with his family post-German reunification. This production, which he has sought to present for the past five years, invites audiences to engage with pressing themes of warfare and humanity.

The Plot Overview

The story follows Trygaeus, a fed up farmer who embarks on a grand journey to Olympus on a colossal, flying dung beetle. He is determined to negotiate with the gods, believing they have abandoned humanity in times of war. Discovering that the Goddess of Peace is trapped at the bottom of a well by the God of War, Trygaeus plunges into a tumultuous quest to rescue her. The narrative is peppered with social commentary, humor, and a poignant critique of power structures that remain pertinent even today.

Unique Aspects of the Production

- Mask Performance: One actor portraying multiple roles through mask changes will add a unique theatrical twist.
- Live Original Music: The performance will feature an original score aimed to engage a young audience, ensuring that high schoolers and younger viewers alike find the production enjoyable.
- Societal Commentary: The essence of Aristophanes' work reflects the dangers of demagoguery and political manipulation. It poses questions about the nature of democracy, illustrating issues that remain relevant in 2025 Japan. The play aims to make the audience reflect on whether true change has occurred over the millennia.

Social Impact and Significance

Following its Japanese premiere, Uzume Theater will showcase "Peace" at the Vietnam International Experimental Theater Festival, demonstrating the bridging of cultural narratives as both countries continue to recover from the scars of war. Uzume Theater is noted for tackling pressing societal issues through theater, as exemplified by their recent production "Nipponjin wa Boumeisuru," which confronted contemporary challenges such as infringement upon freedom of expression and educational faults.

Cast and Crew

The ensemble will feature a diverse range of talent, including:

- Daito Aramaki
- Manami Goto
- Yoko Matsuo
- Akira Matsushita (known for political satire)
- Kikuma Hayashiya (debuting in a theatrical role)
- Mitsun (popular YouTuber)
- Kuta Ban'ya (making his stage debut)

Together with 15 other cast members, they will collaborate to bring this classic work to life.

Call for Support

Meanwhile, the production faces financial demands for its international endeavors. Although certain costs are covered by the Japan Foundation, the production’s team is seeking support through crowdfunding avenues to cover travel expenses and logistics. Details can be found in their crowdfunding message shared on their platform.

Director's Message

Gessner remarks that "Peace" is an incredibly rare play that was produced in Athens over 2 million years ago. Its exploration of resilience amid adversity and the absurdities of life and politics make it continuously relevant. This play possesses the potential to inspire courage to think and act within an audience wrestling with unseen barriers, a modern retelling of a timeless narrative.

Join us at the theater for this unprecedented premiere of an ancient comedy in Japan!