The Woman in Black - Japanese language version
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
IN SEPTEMBER 2008, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the commencement of diplomatic relations between the UK and Japan, and as part of the 20th anniversary of The Woman in Black in the West End, two of Japan’s leading performers will present the Japanese language version of the ghostly two-hander at the Fortune Theatre.
Adapted by Steph Mallatratt from the novel by Susan Hill, The Woman in Black is about a lawyer who is obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black. To help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul, he engages a young actor.
It all begins innocently enough, but as they reach further into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds. The borders between make believe and reality begin to blur and the flesh begins to creep….
For five performances only, the roles will be performed by Haruhiko Saito and Takaya Kamikawa. Both are highly acclaimed actors in Japan, with work spanning stage, film and television. Saito has also published three books and has been involved with The Woman in Black since 1992 when it first appeared in Japan.
The Japanese language version will be presented by leading Japanese theatre producers Parco (in association with PW Productions), exponents of young and cutting edge culture since the 1970s. Well known for their fashion department store business, publishing and theatre businesses, Parco own a theatre in Shibuya in central Tokyo in which they have produced plays by Neil Simon, Alan Ayckbourn, and Martin McDonagh.
The London production is directed by Robin Herford, designed by Michael Holt and has lighting by Kevin Sleep.
The Woman in Black, one of the most exciting, gripping and successful theatre events ever performed, has just celebrated its 7,500th performance and, in 2009, will celebrate 20 years in the West End. It has also become a huge global hit and it was Herford who directed the first Japanese version in Tokyo, where it instantly became a cult and where it has been performed regularly ever since.
Dates: September 9, 10, 11 and 12 at 8pm; and September 13 at 4pm.
Tickets: Stalls £36, £27; Dress Circle £36, £27.50.