Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2014

Despite a history stretching back over a century, the Tokyo International Players have yet to perform one of theater’s best-known works. This year they have they have finally taken on Shakespeare’s story of woe for their main production. Director Wendell T. Harrison has transplanted the famous star-crossed lovers from Verona to Nagasaki in 1639. With the leads recast as a Portuguese sailor and a Japanese woman, there are ever stronger forces than language keeping them apart—as the play is presented in both Japanese and English. “It is unprecedented in our approach but effective for this production,” Harrison explains. “Using a well-known story, we want to prove that love can overcome family history, lineage and language barriers.” 

The Pocket Nakano, Feb 27-Mar 2.