The Garden of Words the Stage Play by The Whole Hog Theatre Company

Date: 2019 October 14 21:33

Posted by Joe

UK based Theatre Company Whole Hog Theatre have just revealed details of their latest production The Garden of Words. Based on the anime of the same name by director Makoto Shinkai. The play will be performed in London at Park Theatre from 15th July to 15th August 2020.

It will also be performed in Tokyo with Japanese Animation stage production specialists, Nelke Planning (Sailor Moon stage production).

Curiously the performance promises to be an interdisciplinary adaptation visually emotive story using puppetry, movement and projection art. Performed in English with occasional Japanese. The Whole Hog Theatre Company are not new to anime adaptations, having performed Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke on stage. While Princess Mononoke naturally lends itself to puppetry, The Garden of Words could have been done as conventional play. So we're very interested to see what Whole Hog have up their sleeves.

Anime and manga being adapted for the stage seems to be an on going trend in the west, with Kiki's Delivery Service being adapted by Southwark Playhouse and Urasawa's Pluto getting a performance at London's Barbican.

While popular franchises are frequently adapted for the stage in Japan by theatre companies such as Nelke Planning.

We're excited to see what Whole Hog do and suggest you book tickets soon to avoid disappointment.

Full Story

Press release as follows:



Whole Hog Theatre in association with Park Theatre present the World Theatrical Premiere of

The Garden of Words​

​Official Stage Production

Based on the Anime from Makoto Shinkai/ CoMix Wave Films
新海誠監督作品

Adapted by Whole Hog Theatre (Princess Mononoke stage adaptation)
Directed by Alexandra Rutter

"You've been living your whole life alone..."

Rainy season. Tokyo. Akizuki is skipping class; Yukino should be at work.

When a student and an older woman seeking solace in a Japanese garden meet by chance, their mutual feelings of alienation draw them together. But a truth is about to be uncovered. The friendship that could save them might also ruin them...

Based on the stereotype-defying Anime by world-renowned director Makoto Shinkai (your name.), The Garden of Words is a modern Tokyo tale inspired by ancient Man'yōshū poetry. This subtle drama explores invisible disability, loss of human connection in a digital world and challenges us to consider the moral line between platonic and romantic longing.

In its world theatrical premiere, this unique Anglo-Japanese project will be created and performed in both London and Tokyo by the UK's Whole Hog Theatre (Princess Mononoke stage adaptation), and Japanese Animation stage production specialists,Nelke Planning of Tokyo (Sailor Moon stage production). This female-led project brings Japanese and British creatives and performers together to encourage diverse new audiences to the theatre and challenge stereotypes about Anime and Japan.

This interdisciplinary adaptation delves into Shinkai's visually emotive story using puppetry, movement and projection art. Performed in English with occasional Japanese.

Tickets

Dates
Previews: 15 - 16 Jul
Plays: 15 Jul - 15 Aug
Press Night: Thu 23 Jul 19.00

Performances
Mon - Sat Evening 19.30
Thu & Sat Matinees 15.00

Parents & Babies £15
Thu 6 Aug 13.00
(Babes in arms under 1 year go free*)

​Prices*
Previews £18.50
Standard £18.50 - £32.50
Concessions £16.50 - £23.50
Child (Under 16) £15 - £20*
*Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.

Groups
Buy 10 tickets get the 11th free