Rouge28 Theatre

‘Like Urashima, I was fascinated and captured’
Council for the Advancement of Arts, Recreation and Education.

Inspired by Japanese mythology and aesthetics, Urashima Taro fuses stunning visuals with human size Bunraku-style puppets and Kamishibai - a traditional Japanese form of paper theatre - the origin of Manga. Video projection, shadow play, puppetry and the actor combine to tell this fascinating story of lust, betrayal and loss.

In return for saving a turtle, a poor young fisherman, Urashima Taro, is invited by the mysterious and captivating Lady Otohime, to stay in her palace under the sea. Promises of a life of eternal pleasure slowly turn into a nightmare as Urashima Taro’s fate unfolds.

Artistic Team:

Aya Nakamura: Performer, co-writer, puppet designer and maker, co-set designer
Paul Piris: Director, co-writer, co-set designer
Juley Ayres: Voice over
Nao Nagai: Lighting designer
Phil Newman: Set builder
Adam Hypki: Design advisor
Monika Kita: Photographer

Feedback from our audience:

“I really enjoyed it, it was excellent” Helen

“This was my first trip to a good theatre and it was incredible” Greeny

“It was breathtaking” Oded

“Some of the most sensitive and absorbing puppetry I’ve ever seen, sharp and beautiful storytelling” Julie.