#Theater Production #Shuji Terayama #Seigo Showa

Celebrate 90 Years of Shuji Terayama

The year 2026 marks not just the 90th birthday of the renowned poet and playwright Shuji Terayama, but also the 10th anniversary of the passing of Seigo Showa and the new era of his theater group. To commemorate this significant occasion, the poetic theater production "Waren ni Mayu wo 2026 - Shitsumei-" will be performed on July 10th and 11th at Mandala in Minato, Tokyo.

This performance is more than just a theatrical event; it's an immersive experience that weaves together the voices of those who have lost their identities—those who are nameless and on the run. Drawing inspiration from Terayama's original scripts, such as Long Epic Poetry Ri Gyousun, Farewell to the Frontier, and 70 Lines for Norio Nagayama, this theatrical work promises to be one of rejuvenation and reinterpretation.

The production will feature a collage of Terayama's unpublished manuscripts alongside several gems from his oeuvre. With the new direction guided by director Komoda Mari, and the auditory expertise of music director Takumitsu Nishiyama, attendees can expect to be taken on an auditory journey. The use of music by J.A. Caesar, combined with Takumitsu's sound experiments, will connect the essence of poetry and emotion, guiding the audience into a new realm.

The Cast and Special Guests

The cast includes prominent members such as Komoda and Nishiyama, along with Wakana Kajihara, the returning Misaki Tokiwa and Shuuhei Ueiri, and the talented Kenta Kobayashi from the theatrical laboratory “Any Gravity.” Additionally, former vocalist from the experimental ensemble “Sezai Gyakuzoku,” Murphy Sekiguchi, will also perform, bringing a rich diversity to the show. A captivating performance is expected from the band Kumogahara on the first day and EVRAAK on the second day—both acts promised to resonate beautifully with Terayama’s poetic themes.

Further Involvement with Seigo Showa’s Legacy

Seigo Showa Office, as custodians of Terayama's work, seeks to continue the legacy by harnessing the power of spoken word to vividly conjure imagery. Their distinctive style, described as