Reading Performance of “The Sun” by MAEKAWA Tomohiro at the Sound & Fury Play Reading Festival in Beijing, China

The Japan Foundation (JF) is co-hosting a reading performance of the play “The Sun”, published under the 2022 Translation and Publication of Theatrical Plays, with the Festival. Additionally, playwright MAEKAWA Tomohiro will be sent to China for this event.

The Sound & Fury Play Reading Festival is a platform that began in 2018 to showcase new plays and international works. Up until 2023, many young theater practitioners, including playwrights, directors, and actors from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the UK, and Switzerland, had participated, contributing to the development of an open and dynamic theater scene there. This year, in addition to two new works from mainland China, a total of four drama reading performances will be held, including pieces from Japan and Estonia.

In addition to the post-performance Q&A, Mr. MAEKAWA will participate in a discussion event with the festival's artistic director, Chen Si'an. The JF hopes that this initiative will deepen understanding of Japan among Chinese theater practitioners and fans through cultural exchange.

A view of the stage with a sun-like light in the background
(c) Aki Tanaka

Sound & Fury Play Reading Festival: “The Sun” Performance and Q&A
Date Performance: Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. (China Time)
Q&A: Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 9:00 PM to 9:40 PM. (China Time)
* The Sound & Fury Play Reading Festival will be held from November 9 to 10.
Venue The Inside-Out Theater, Beijing
Admission 60 yuan（Tickets available on the day）
Website 正式开票｜真实的事物 × 2024年声嚣剧读节 (Chinese)
  • Organizer: The Japan Foundation
  • Co-organizer: Sound & Fury Play Reading Festival
  • Cooperation: HB Inc.
A discussion with Chen Si’an (Artistic Director of the Sound & Fury Play Reading Festival).
Date Friday, November 8, 2024, from 7:30 PM. (China Time)
Venue Amazing Words Bookstore
Admission Free (No reservation required)
  • Organizer: The Japan Foundation
  • Co-organizer: Sound & Fury Play Reading Festival
  • Cooperation: HB Inc.

Profile

MAEKAWA Tomohiro

Playwright and director Tomohiro Maekawa was born in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture, in 1974. He founded his theater company and the base for his activities, Ikiume, in 2003. He explores the relationship between the invisible and humanity, delving into the psychological aspects of the world behind everyday life. His direction is characterized by the seamless editing of space and time. MAEKAWA's unique style has garnered attention and numerous domestic theater awards. In 2022, Ikiume staged “À la marge” in Paris to critical acclaim (at the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris). In recent years, his plays continue to be published in a variety of languages, including French, Korean, Spanish, English, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese, leading to performances and readings by overseas theaters. His notable works include “Strolling Invader” (performed at Seoul's Arco Arts Theater and the Théâtre de la Ville, among others) and “The Sun” (at Seoul's DOOSAN Art Center and the National Jeongdong Theater, among others). In 2024, “To Deliver a Soul” won the Excellence Award at the 31st Yomiuri Theater Awards. Ikiume staged “KIKWAI A story I heard from Lafcadio Hearn” in Tokyo and Osaka. “The Sun” was performed in Taipei, “Enemy of Heaven” in Incheon, and “Mathematical Domino” in Seoul.

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