The New Play 'Shuu' by Theater Group Shibaiya Debuts in May 2025

New Production from Theater Group Shibaiya: 'Shuu'

The upcoming play 'Shuu' marks the 44th performance from Theater Group Shibaiya, set to run from May 20 to May 25, 2025, at Nakano Studio, situated in the lively Nakano district of Tokyo, Japan. Tickets are currently on sale through Confetti, a service managed by Long Run Planning Inc. Based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, this company has been a vital partner in promoting various theatrical performances.

Experience Life Through the Rain

'What kind of rain will fall upon your heart?' This rhetorical question invites the audience to ponder the transformative power of emotional experience, encapsulated in this new part of the Toruu series created by the talented playwright Masuda Saiki. Having penned every one of the group’s 43 scripts, Saiki continues to explore the nuances of everyday life through the lens of dramatic storytelling. Past works include titles such as '`Toruu Night`', '`Toruu Night: Aogeba Tōtōshi`', and '`Toruu Road`'. This time, the theme revolves around the concept of a sudden rain shower, delving into the intersection of mundane family life and extraordinary moments that unfold within it.

A 90-Minute Glimpse into a Family's Life

The narrative centers around the Kirishima family, who find themselves uniting after the passing of their patriarch, Kirishima Asahi. Known as a master craftsman in the art of hera-shibori, Asahi built a reputable name for himself in the manufacturing industry through his company, Kirishima Seisakusho. After falling ill, his eldest son Matsuo took the reins of the family business. The play unfolds over the span of one ordinary Sunday, shortly after the traditional mourning period, as the family gathers to divide their inheritance. Here, the intrinsic emotionality of familial bonds and the complexities surrounding loss are explored in depth.

The intimate setting of the Aktore Studio allows viewers to experience the subtleties of human emotion and the actors’ performances in a raw, unfiltered form. The production promises a continuous 90-minute act where lights remain dim, mimicking the relentless flow of time within the story. The audience is invited to peek into the life of the Kirishima family, experiencing the blend of everyday occurrences with the extraordinary, thereby forging a connection with the actors who become vessels for the characters' pain and joy.

The Vision of Theater Group Shibaiya

Founded in 2002, Theater Group Shibaiya has established a unique presence in the theatrical landscape by producing two to three performances annually, all written by the group's guiding light, Masuda Saiki. The company's core vision revolves around the theme of 'peering into lives'. They adeptly sketch the dramas that emerge from the lives of ordinary people, compelling audiences to engage with tales that resonate on a personal level. A quote attributed to Saiki encapsulates this essence: 'Pierce a hole in the darkness of the theater with your heart, and gaze upon this life.'