#Japan #Tokyo #Can You Hear My Voice? #Team Crescent #Ryuji Yamawaki

Upcoming Play 'Can You Hear My Voice?'

The highly anticipated play 'Can You Hear My Voice?' by acclaimed playwright Ryuji Yamawaki, winner of the 29th OMS Playwright Award, is set to premiere in Tokyo from September 4 to September 8, 2025. This remarkable production is organized by Team Crescent and will be staged at Theater Green BASE THEATER located at 2-20-4 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo. With a special emphasis on inclusivity, the performances will feature sign language interpretation to make theatrical art accessible to a wider audience, particularly the Deaf community.

Tickets for this moving play will go on sale starting July 15, 2025, at 10 AM via the Confetti online ticketing platform, operated by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd., based in Shinjuku City, Tokyo. For those interested, more details about ticket purchasing can be found on the official website: Team Crescent.

Thematic Context

The narrative of 'Can You Hear My Voice?' is set against the historical backdrop of Japan's Eugenic Protection Law, which was in effect from 1948 to 1996 and allowed for the forced sterilization of individuals with disabilities, including mental and intellectual impairments, without their consent. This troubling chapter in Japan's history reflects societal attitudes towards disability and the belief that hereditary conditions could negatively impact future generations. In July of last year, the government faced the repercussions of this law by meeting with plaintiffs involved in ongoing trials, extending apologies while expressing a commitment to pursuing amicable resolutions without imposing statutes of limitations on claims for damages.

The play delves into the emotional journey of a family during a time when sign language was ridiculed as mere miming. It highlights a day in 1966 when a mother recalls the news of her deaf daughter Kazumi’s pregnancy, shared by a nurse from the same sign language study group. Kazumi, against her father’s strong opposition, passionately advocates for her choice to become a mother, illustrating the complex family dynamics and love amidst societal challenges.

Performance Details

'Can You Hear My Voice?' will feature two distinct performance teams, A and B, showcasing an array of talented actors from various renowned theater backgrounds. The performance schedule includes:

• - September 4: 7:30 PM (A)
• - September 5: 12:30 PM (B), 4:00 PM (A), 7:30 PM (B)
• - September 6: 12:30 PM (A), 4:00 PM (B), 7:30 PM (A)
• - September 7: 12:30 PM (B), 4:00 PM (A), 7:30 PM (B)
• - September 8: 12:30 PM (A), 4:00 PM (B)

Some performances will include live sign language interpretation and streaming options. The estimated runtime is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes without an intermission.

Ticket prices are set at 5,000 yen for general admission and 3,500 yen for students with discounts available for individuals with disabilities. Special bundled tickets for both A and B performances are available at 9,000 yen for general audiences and 6,000 yen for students. Accessibility measures include tablet rentals for subtitles and provisions for wheelchair access with prior reservation.

Conclusion

Team Crescent welcomes all audiences to witness this poignant story, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the Deaf community and its history. With the upcoming Deaflympics in Tokyo in November, 'Can You Hear My Voice?' aims to foster a more inclusive society and promote understanding among all. Join us in celebrating love, family, and resilience through this impactful narrative.

For additional information to plan your visit, don’t forget to check the ticketing website Confetti. Not only will you enjoy a touching performance, but you’ll also contribute to a meaningful cause of awareness and acceptance in society.