The decadence of society and theatre exposed at an artistic dinner party

This highly acclaimed production by Polish theatre giant Krystian Lupa, known for his remarkable set designs and sharply critical eye, makes its long-awaited debut in Japan. Based on the novel by Austrian writer Thomas Bernhard, the play takes place over a gathering of old friends from the theatre world. The “artistic dinner”, as the hosts like to call it, follows the funeral of an actress who committed suicide. As the bohemians drink and talk, the sham of their decadence gradually unravels, exposing their inner fears, damage, and grudges. Eventually, they turn on each other. Inspired by actual events, Bernhardʼs scandalous book led to a lawsuit after it was published. Swinging like the axe of a woodcutter, this razor-edged satire remains vivid and relevant today for our supposedly fair and democratic society. It is a radical journey deep into the world that lurks under the surface of cultural conventions. Touching on the problem of the illusory freedom of our lives, and constraint, the natural condition of humanity, the play also poses questions concerning artists and their role in society.

Pre-show talks
Held in the theatre lobby. Open to ticket holders for performances that day.
10/21 (Fri) 15:10-15:40 / 10/23 (Sun) 12:10-12:40
Guest Speakers: Koichi Kuyama (Theatre and film programmer, Instytut Polski w Tokio), Masahiko Yokobori (F/T Program Coordinator)

Special pre-show talk by Krystian Lupa
Held in the theatre lobby. Open to all members of the public (reservations required, limited to 50 persons)
10/22 (Sat) 11:00-12:30
Krystian Lupa in conversation with theatre critic Hidenaga Otori
In Polish with Japanese interpretation

Coming soon