FESTIVAL/TOKYO

From the origin of life to the latest advances in medical technology, a contemporary take on timeless observations of man versus nature

Playwright and director Shu Matsui won the 55th Kishida Kunio Drama Award (Japan's most prestigious play-writing prize) for "Proud Son", which humorously but disturbingly portrayed a middle-aged man and his mother's co-dependence. Matsui's oeuvre examines everything from the grand narratives of state and society to the micro stories of idiosyncratic individuals. This new play will explore the origin of the species as well as contemporary existence, and will draw on the Greek tragedy of "Oedipus Rex", which portrays the relationship of man versus society through the taboos of parricide and incest. Matsui's update on the tale will harness both text, actors, stage design and lighting to create an organic theatrical space looking at the issues of medical advances and bioethics in this new narrative on the birth of humanity.

Supported by the Saison Foundation

Sponsored by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation