Black Stripe Theatre believes in bringing accessible, educational and fun performances to broad audiences in Japan. In 2017 the group started taking their performances into schools and universities with the aim of promoting English language theatre and theatre as a tool of learning. Following on from the success of last year’s tour of Hound of the Baskervilles, BST present two new shows this year.
From April BST will present William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a tragic tale of ambition, tyranny, madness and guilt. Written in 1605, ‘The Scottish tragedy’ is short, thrilling and charged with super-naturals, and probably Shakespeare’s most modern and accessible play. Our version is reduced to 60 minutes and has four actors share nearly 20 roles. This production is suitable for elementary, high school and university level students.
From May BST will stage The Gentlest Giant, the adventure tale of Bethany Bright and her frightful encounter with a terrible giant. Our version of this original story is approximately 50 minutes long and is performed by actors and musicians. This production is suitable for kindergarten, elementary and junior high school students.
In repertoire we also have two of our past shows. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle is a classic mystery starring the quick-witted duo Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson (and a big scary hound!). A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a seasonal favorite featuring Ebeneezer Scrooge and three magical ghosts. Both versions of these much-loved stories have been adapted by writer and actor Justin Davis.
This is a great opportunity for students to see live theatre in school and to learn more about some of the greatest stories ever written. Moreover, after each show there is the chance for students to talk to the performers and ask them questions about the production, the roles they play, and the life of the actor. We also offer a fun-filled and creative workshop to explore story, character and themes. For example, in this year’s workshop for Macbeth students explore a famous monologue from the play and gain insight into meter, meaning and motivation.
BST are a group of international performers and creators based in Tokyo who have been performing and facilitating professional workshops in schools and universities for the last three years. Provided is a list of the fees for the performances and drama workshops. If your school is interested in inviting us in or you would like more information, please contact our representative Chris Parham on 080-8177-3591 or blackstripetheater@gmail.com or check out our website at wwwblackstripetheater.com.
Last year, we took our shows to fifteen schools and universities. The students, some of whom were seeing live theater for the first time, really enjoyed the experience. We really hope your school is able to take up the opportunity this year, and we look forward to hearing from you and sharing our work with your students!
PRICE LIST FOR PERFORMANCES in 2019
Tokyo and surrounding area Prices
Performance (plus Q&A) 100,000yen
Performance (plus Q&A) and workshop 130,000yen
Outside of Kanto
Performance (plus Q&A) and workshop 230,000yen *Further charges may apply if accommodation is required.
Asian countries
Performance (plus Q&A) and workshop 450,000yen *Inclusive of flights, transportation and accommodation
All quoted prices are after the deduction of tax. Note that further charges may to cover excess travel.
Discounts
* Two performances on the same day – 20% * Two performances in the same year – 15%
Other points
All performances are between 50-60 minutes in duration. On the day of the performance we usually arrive 1 hour before the performance to set up. We understand that each venue is very different – in the past we have taken our work into classrooms, gymnasiums, halls, theaters, and even outdoors! Cast sizes are limited to four performers which means we can run four workshops at the same time. We do ask schools to limit workshop participants to 20 students per workshop leader. Furthermore, while our shows are minimalistic and performers bring costumes/props to each venue, we may request the use of a parking space, if available.
Negotiation
If you would like to make an offer of a price for one of our shows in 2019, please do not hesitate to contact us. Negotiation is completely risk-free.