Two rising stars make their international debut in a sumptuous triple bill of classic dance works.

Kabuki makes a long-awaited return to London after 17 years, with a triple bill of classic works performed on two days.

These performances mark the international stage debuts of two of Japan’s most closely watched young performers: Ichikawa Somegorō VIII and Onoe Tatsunosuke III. Both come from lineages at the very heart of Kabuki tradition – Somegorō made his first stage performance at the age of two, Tatsunosuke at three.

Somegorō continues a UK stage legacy three generations deep – his grandfather and father both performed in London in 1990/91 – he recently played Hamlet in Tokyo and Osaka under British director David Leveaux. Tatsunosuke, meanwhile, starred in the anime crossover Kabuki Symphony No. Q: Evangelion, introducing Kabuki to a new generation of fans.

Together, the pair perform three defining works from the Kabuki repertoire:

• Fuji Musume (The Wisteria Maiden): a solo dance embodying a woman in love through the enchanting spirit of wisteria, performed by Onoe Tatsunosuke
• Yuki no Shakkyō (The Snowbound Stone Bridge – A Lion Dance): a powerful dance rooted in Noh tradition, where Ichikawa Somegorō channels the sacred power of a mythical lion in a snow-covered realm
• Meoto Dōjōji (A Man and Woman at Dōjōji Temple): a dramatic duet based on a tragic serpent legend, featuring hypnotic costume changes, performed by both artists together

Ichikawa Somegorō VIII said, “Kabuki was born over 400 years ago and has continued to the present day, absorbing the culture, sensibilities, and values of each era. It is a mirror that reflects what Japanese people have accumulated over a long period of time, and it is important to share this unique beauty of Japan with international audiences.”

Onoe Tatsunosuke III said, “The appeal of the art of kabuki lies in the atmosphere and excitement that can only be experienced live, so we are deeply grateful to have an opportunity to bring this experience to London. I look forward to audiences in the UK experiencing for themselves the enduring beauty and excitement of this remarkable art form.”

Kabuki is enjoying renewed interest in Japan as well as on the world stage. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of theatre’s greatest spectacles.

KABUKI is presented by Shochiku Co., Ltd and Askonas Holt, and produced by Shochiku Co., Ltd. It is supported by the Japan Creator Support Fund and The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd is the official airline.

Header image © SHOCHIKU