Devised Play Development Initiative

"Encountering new talents" is one of the guiding principles of our new Artistic Director, Satoshi Kamimura. In line with this intent, we are launching a new project to create new works by inviting playwrights and trialling their works.

Previously, new works at the New National Theatre Tokyo by Japanese playwrights had generally been commissioned by the Artistic Director. On the other hand, most new works in Japanese theatrical history were developed through collaborative creation by theatre companies. We are launching a project to discover the potential of new works by focusing on this expertise and taking the necessary time to let playwrights, directors and actors actively exchange ideas. Specifically, works will be selected by inviting interested playwrights and considering the director's artistic vision. Performers for the selected works will then be chosen entirely by auditions and join production workshops to prepare for the performance.

Performances begin in April 2028, but we will announce more project details in the spring of 2026 and begin inviting playwrights. We also plan to begin accepting applications for performer auditions in the autumn of 2026.

Marie Gonohe is responsible for directing this project. Together with Gonohe, the selected playwrights and cast members will devote extensive time to creating the new work from the spring of 2027. We hope you enjoy it.