A major new international theatre work based on short stories by the acclaimed author Haruki Murakami, featuring performers from Scotland and Japan, human and puppet monkeys, lurking shadows, stunning sound and Vanishing Point’s distinctive visual language. The show will draw audiences into the inimitable, dream-like domain of one of the world’s best-loved authors.

Co-created by Matthew Lenton (Vanishing Point) and Sandy Grierson, and performed in English and Japanese, with full dialogue captioning built into the stage design. 

“We are diving into Haruki Murakami’s beautiful and mysterious world. We chose these stories because, apart from their inimitable brilliance, they are open to interpretation and a springboard for artistic inspiration and expression. They are fantastical stories, yet with deep connections to pressing social issues and fundamental human experiences. On one level, Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey is a detective story, a thrilling ‘whodunnit’ set amongst the mysterious mountains of Japan and subterranean tunnels of Tokyo. On another, it is a sensitive exploration of human compulsion, redemption, and the search for one’s true self.” - Matthew Lenton

Cast

Rin Nasu, Sandy Grierson, Satoru Date, Elicia Daly, Yuya Tanaka, Sam Stopford, Junko Kano, Aisha Goodman and puppeteer Ailie Cohen. 
Presented in partnership with Dundee Rep and The Japan Foundation and supported by British Council (Connections through Culture), Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation and The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.

Creative team 

Conceived, Staged & Directed by Matthew Lenton

Associate Direction Sandy Grierson

Adapted in English by Sandy Grierson & Matthew Lenton

Japanese Translation & Dramaturgy Nozomi Abe

Scenography Kei Ishihara/BlankRD

Lighting Design Simon Wilkinson

Sound Design & Composition Mark Melville

Costume Design Sacico Ito / BRüCKE

Hair, Wigs & Make Up Design Eri AkamaTSu / ESPER

Puppet Design & Making Ailie Cohen