The new work by a Kishida Prize for Drama-winning playwright is a thrilling outdoor musical contemporary drama.

Presenting a new work by Yu-mei’s Ryo Ikeda, winner of the 68th Kishida Kunio Drama Award and the 32nd Yomiuri Theatre Award for Outstanding Director! This musical drama explores Japanese character culture and the positives and negatives of fiction and storytelling across various settings. Designed specifically for touring, A Manga will be performed at the outdoor venues of the former Nasa Elementary School and Benten Shrine, with Japanese and English subtitles provided for every performance. Ikeda—who handled the writing, direction, visual art, and art direction—drew on his formative memories and his experiences working in firsthand and undercover reporting, anime, and TV shows. This reactionary new work takes a deep step into the unknown—what he calls “a place we can’t return to, yet can’t help but laugh about.” The cast includes Tom Miyazaki, known for his role as Kamaji in the stage play of Spirited Away and his performance in the dance production Umibe no Dokusaisha (Dictator by the sea). Also appearing is Arata Murayama, a former member of the Shiawase Gakkyu Hokai troupe where he was a top draw, making his comeback to the stage after about a year. Music is provided by Rikiya Konishi, who went by the name Hikami Hinata when he was with Shiawase Gakkyu Hokai. Video and art direction are by Ryoko, whose work was shown at Tokyo Anima! and the Holland Animation Film Festival. There are only a few performances, so don’t miss it!