#Japan #Tokyo #Galileo Galilei #Brecht #Theater Actor's Unit

Celebrating 85 Years of Theater Actor's Unit with Brecht's Masterpiece

As the Theater Actor's Unit embarks on its 85th anniversary, it promises an exhilarating journey into the world of Bertolt Brecht, initiating a series of three consecutive years featuring his notable works. The inaugural production of this series, 'Life of Galileo', reveals the compelling narrative of the renowned astronomer, Galileo Galilei, whose life was marked by groundbreaking discoveries and the subsequent clash with powerful authorities. This dramatic play will be staged from September 7 to September 16, 2026, at the esteemed Theater Kai in Sumida, Tokyo.

Tickets for this much-anticipated performance are currently on sale through Confetti, operated by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based company headed by Taigo Kurumatsu.

The Essence of Knowledge and Power

'Life of Galileo' exposes the dual nature of knowledge. It has the potential to both enlighten and harm. The play prompts audiences to consider for whom science exists and how individuals should engage with the truths they uncover.

This intense human drama unfolds through the life of Galileo, who defied conventional wisdom through his celestial observations. As he challenges the prevailing beliefs of his time, he finds himself embroiled in fierce conflicts with the Church and the state. Bertolt Brecht, who wrote this piece during his exile from the Nazi regime, brilliantly intertwines historical and contemporary themes, illuminating the courage and frailty of humanity.

The upcoming three-year theatrical endeavor will see a new Brecht play brought to life each year, with 'Life of Galileo' being particularly significant for the Theater Actor's Unit, originally translated by its founder, Setsuya Chida, in 1958. The astonishing discoveries of four centuries ago resonate with modern audiences, providing new perspectives on the joy of knowledge, the difficulties of trusting humanity, and the weight of making a significant change in society.

In a narrative blending the persecution faced by Galileo with Brecht's own experience under Nazi rule, the play intricately explores the tension between science and power. As Galileo publicly champions the heliocentric theory, he finds himself at odds with the papacy, leading to a series of serious confrontations over his recantation. Eventually, Galileo submits to the pressures of the Catholic Church, renouncing his findings under duress.

Confined to house arrest, Galileo completes 'Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems,' a work that symbolizes the monumental shift of science from the hands of the people into the clutches of authority.

Performance Details

Title: Life of Galileo

• - Dates: September 7 (Mon), 2026 — September 16 (Wed), 2026
• - Venue: Theater Kai, 2-10-14 Ryogoku, Sumida, Tokyo

Cast:

• - Mayumi Katayama
• - Junko Matsumoto
• - Yoshio Kato
• - Isamu Mori
• - Natsuko Nagahama
• - Shigehiro Tanaka
• - Satoshi Watanabe
• - Akari Sato
• - Atsushi Saito
• - Yasuhiro Tabata
• - Naomi Wakai
• - Mayumi Araki
• - Nobutaka Oda
• - Keitaro Fukahori
• - Sadayo Yamada
• - Kono
• - Kosei Watanabe
• - Haruna Ando
• - Hirotoshi Mizutsu
• - Kazuya Matsunaga
• - Rie Sakuraba
• - Rio Fujimori

Creative Team:

• - Written by: Bertolt Brecht
• - Translation: Setsuya Chida
• - Adaptation & Direction: Go Fujii
• - Set Design: Masahiro Noborihira
• - Lighting Design: Junichiro Washizaki
• - Music: Eiichi Terada
• - Sound Design: Nonka Sakaguchi
• - Costume Design: Kyo Wakabayashi
• - Choreography: Miyako Shimizu
• - Stage Management: Kozo Kawaguchi (Stage Manager)

Performance Schedule:*

• - September 7 (Mon) 6:30 PM
• - September 8 (Tue) 2:00 PM
• - September 9 (Wed) 6:30 PM
• - September 10 (Thu) 2:00 PM
• - September 11 (Fri) 6:30 PM
• - September 12 (Sat) 1:00 PM
• - September 13 (Sun) 1:00 PM
• - September 14 (Mon) 6:30 PM
• - September 15 (Tue) 2:00 PM
• - September 16 (Wed) 1:00 PM

Doors open 30 minutes before the performance

Ticket Prices:

• - General (Advance): 7,300 yen
• - Senior (65 and over): 7,000 yen
• - U-30 (30 and under): 3,500 yen
• - Opening Day Discount: 6,500 yen (only on September 7)

(Reserved seating, tax included)

For more information on purchasing tickets, visit the Confetti website and enjoy special offers for members. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a pivotal moment in theater history!

Confetti Ticket Purchasing Site