So, it’s actually happening – we are going to Japan…with THE MISTAKE…in September.  Performing a bilingual version – with surtitles.  For about 12 performances, in Tokyo, Tottori and with one in Hiroshima itself.  That’s going to be quite a powerful and emotional experience, I’m predicting.  It’s not been at all easy getting venues and performances set up in Japan.  In the UK I know all about the touring circuit, in the US I had a number of contacts from my previous visit there, but for Japan I was pretty much starting from scratch.  And of course for this 80^th anniversary year there were many events already being organised there – especially in Hiroshima itself.  But we have a tour in place now and we’ll be there for almost a month.  However, guess what? – we also need a little bit more money to get us over the line, so I have set up one more Crowdfunding page.  If you could share it with anyone you think would be interested in contributing, I’d be so grateful.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/taking-my-play-the-mistake-to-japan-in-september

I’m sincerely hoping that this will be the last appeal I need to make for the foreseeable future!  Thank you, as ever…

(Photo of Riko Nakazono by Simon Richardson – image by Jerry Williams)

(Photo of Riko Nakazono by Simon Richardson)

There will be one last opportunity – well, one last week of opportunities – to see THE MISTAKE in London from October 14th to October 18th at the Arcola Theatre, Dalston. The play will then be put to bed – for who knows how long.  Emiko Ishii performed with me in London in 2023, but now Riko Nakazono has taken over the role of Shigeko, in my play about Hiroshima and the first atomic bomb.  Riko has committed herself to the project in this 80th anniversary year of the atomic bombings and has already been to the USA with me earlier this year, and travels to Japan with me in September to give some bilingual performances of the play.  (More about that soon…)  We then return from Japan to the Arcola to perform the play wholly in English again.  Riko gives a remarkable performance, powerful, moving, utterly captivating.  Do come and see the play – and/or please tell friends, colleagues, strangers – this could be their last chance.  Thank you! http://www.arcolatheatre.com