#Japan #Tokyo #Izumi Taku #Twelve Angry Men #Marie Gonohe

The Musical Resurrection of 'Twelve Angry Men'

In an exciting development for theater enthusiasts, the classic story of 'Twelve Angry Men' will be brought to life as a musical. This revival, directed by Marie Gonohe, is based on the newly discovered scores left behind by the late composer Izumi Taku, renowned for his memorable works such as 'Look Up at the Night Sky' and 'Palm on the Sun'. The musical is set to be performed by the All Staff Company and the Itsforlory musical company from February 6 to 15, 2026, at the Asakusa Nine Theatre in Tokyo.

The Discovery of Lost Scores

The project began when Gonohe and her team sifted through the archives of Izumi Taku and unearthed a score titled 'Twelve Angry Men'. Written in the 1970s for a now-defunct vocational school, the score lacked any detailed documentation regarding its conceptualization. Motivated by the potential of this extraordinary find, Gonohe took on the challenge of transforming it into a captivating musical representation of the powerful narrative.

A Unique Perspective

In reflecting on the timeless story of 'Twelve Angry Men', Gonohe emphasizes its exploration of human self-interest and the struggle of individuals to empathize with others. The drama centers on a young boy from a slum accused of murdering his father, placing the jurors in a position where they must confront their personal beliefs and biases. The jurors' clashing moralities lead to a gripping examination of justice, compelling audiences to engage with the unfolding debate between doubt and belief.

Gonohe's Acclaimed Background

Born in Sanda, Hyogo, Marie Gonohe is a graduate of Waseda University’s Faculty of Literature, specializing in theatre and film. After establishing her own theatre group and participating heavily in small-scale productions, she continued her artistic journey by joining the Literary Theatre Company’s training program in 2005. Gonohe made her directoral debut in 2010 and gained recognition for her directorial work, winning the Yomiuri Theatre Award for Best Director in 2023 for her productions 'Coffee and Love', 'A Visit from a Lady' at the New National Theatre, and 'Venus in Fur' at the Setagaya Public Theatre.

Her versatility shines through as she adapts classical works and creates original pieces that resonate with contemporary audiences. Gonohe’s ability to craft dynamic narratives infused with creative talent makes her a highly sought-after director in Japan’s theatrical scene.

Musical Director's Role

The music for this ambitious project will be managed by Kazuane Tanaka, who has previously worked on other successful productions for Itsforlory, such as 'Baumkuchen and Hiroshima'. Tanaka has an impressive portfolio, including arranging and composing for big band formats and various theatrical productions. His significant contributions to musical theater, combined with the unique blend of Izumi Taku's melodies, presents a delightful yet challenging responsibility as he seeks to maintain the original spirit of the music while incorporating new elements.

Tanaka acknowledges the pressure and honor of collaborating with Taku's renowned works, expressing his commitment to delivering an exceptional musical experience.

The Narrative Arc

The plot unfolds in the jury room of a murder trial. The accused is an 18-year-old boy facing a jury comprised of twelve members. Initial voting reveals eleven jurors leaning towards a guilty verdict, while only one (Juror Number 8) dares to challenge that notion by demanding a thorough review of the evidence before reaching a conclusion. This sparks a riveting discourse among jurors as they confront their prejudices, biases, and moral judgments, transforming the jury room into a battleground of conviction and doubt. As the discussions deepen, the dynamics change, leading to a powerful interrogation of human nature and morality.

Event Details

The musical will be produced by the All Staff Company and Itsforlory, promising a theatrical experience that bridges the gap between classic literature and contemporary musical performance.

• - Title: Itsforlory Production of 'Twelve Angry Men'
• - Dates: February 6-15, 2026
• - Venue: Asakusa Nine Theatre, Tokyo, Japan

Original Work: Reginald Rose
Music: Izumi Taku
Direction: Marie Gonohe
Music Direction: Kazuane Tanaka

This revival is set to challenge perceptions while honoring the artistic contributions of Izumi Taku, ensuring that the legacy of 'Twelve Angry Men' continues to resonate with new generations of theatergoers.