- Satoko Ichihara
Ichihara (b. 1988) is a playwright, director, and novelist and the artistic director of the Kinosaki International Arts Center. She studied theater at J. F. Oberlin University and founded the theater company Q in 2011. She writes and directs plays that explore human behavior and the physiology of the body—and the dissonance between them—through her unique understanding of language and the body. In 2019, she published her first collection of short stories, Mamito no Tenshi (Mamito’s angel). She won the 11th Aichi Arts Foundation Drama Award for her play Insects and the 64th Kishida Kunio Drama Award for The Bacchae—Holstein Milk Cows.
Official Program
“KITTY”
Satoko Ichihara/Q
Area
Kinosaki
Date and Time
Sep.19 (Sat) 18:30
Sep.20 (Sun)12:00
Performance Duration
Approx. 110 minutes
*no intermission
*no intermission
Notes
*Recommended for ages 16 and up; not open to children 12 and under
*This production contains sexual and violent content.
Performance Language
Language: Japanese, Korean, Cantonese
Subtitles: Japanese, English
Subtitles: Japanese, English
Admission Fee
【All seats unreserved (with reference number)】
Advance Tickets: ¥4,000
Same-day Tickets: ¥4,500
Advance Tickets U25/Student/Disabled Discount: ¥3,000*
Same-day Tickets Disabled Discount: ¥3,500*
U18 for advance and same-day: Free* (Reservation required)
Uzumaku Pass: ¥1,000
*Please show proof on the day of the event
Others: Free admission for accompanying caregivers, Clap Mates
Playwright and director Satoko Ichihara is known for interrogating the untouchable taboos and sexual contradictions of Japanese society with daring and subtlety. In KITTY, she confronts with scathing insight the global homogenization of desire, as well as the absurdity and humor of a society shaped by patriarchy, capitalism, and consumerism.
Livestock forced to reproduce for our own food. Sexual contexts that insidiously entrap people. Appalling working conditions brought about by profit supremacy. In a world where the word kawaii takes on a new meaning with every utterance in a constantly shifting dance, is it possible to achieve utopia?
Performed in Japanese, Korean, and Cantonese, the play brims with humorous commentary that will deliver a shockwave to contemporary audiences.
Following its Kyoto premiere in 2025, and performances in Tokyo, Brussels, Vienna, and Paris, the production arrives in Toyooka in 2026.
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Performers
- Birdy Wong Ching-yan (Artocrite Theater)
Yurie Nagayama (Seinendan),
Seira Nakanishi
Yuka Hanamoto (Yuka Hanamoto × Moe Matsuki)
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Staff
- Text and Direction: Satoko Ichihara
Music and Sound Design: Masamitsu Araki
Costume: Shie Minamino (Osushi)
Scenography: Tomomi Nakamura
Lighting: Rie Uomori (kehaiworks)
Sound: Takeshi Inarimori
Video: Kotaro Konishi
Stage Management: Yuhi Kobayashi
Direction Department: Hino Korogi, Toko Murata
English surtitles: Aya Ogawa
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Accessibility
・Wheelchairs accommodated
・Free entrance for aide
・Childcare services
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Credits
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Planning & Production: ROHM Theatre Kyoto
Residency Support: Kinosaki International Arts Center (Toyooka City)
Organizer: Toyooka Performing Arts Festival Executive Committee (Toyooka City)
Grant Support: Arts Council Japan
Partner Venues (Regional Arts Network Program): Toyooka Performing Arts Festival, J:COM Kitakyushu Performing Arts Center, NAHArt Naha Cultural Arts Theater
ROHM Theatre Kyoto Repertory Production -
- ROHM Theatre Kyoto
Guided by the concept of “creating theater culture,” ROHM Theatre Kyoto serves as a hub for the creation and dissemination of arts and culture. The venue comprises three performance halls as well as ROHM Square (a courtyard suitable for outdoor events), a bookshop and café, and a restaurant. The venue first opened in 1960 as Kyoto Kaikan. Following extensive renovations, it reopened under its new name in January 2016 and celebrated its 10th anniversary in January 2026.
