Asagaya Spiders' Production "MAKOTO" at THEATER

THEATER | Asagaya Spiders' New Production

A New Play Developed Over Two Years

The theater company Asagaya Spiders will present its new play, "MAKOTO." This marks the first stage production since Asagaya Spiders relaunched as a "theater company." The story has been in development by Kei Shi Nagatsuka for two years.

Text by WASEDA Kosaku (OPENERS)

A Story of Ordinary People and Family Surrounding a Disillusioned Manga Artist

Asagaya Spiders was founded in 1996 as a "theater production unit" that presented new works with a rotating cast. In May 2017, aiming for greater freedom and broader engagement in theater, they began operating as a "theater company."

The new play "MAKOTO," the 26th production by Asagaya Spiders, has been in development by Kei Shi Nagatsuka, who also serves as writer, director, and actor, for the past two years.

A self-proclaimed manga artist who lost his wife due to medical malpractice.
The disillusioned manga artist burns away memories of his wife.
As the memories fade, a powerful force surges within him, leading to strange incidents.
As the manga artist claims, will his sorrow transform into Japan's energy?
A story of a maverick manga artist and the ordinary people and family who surround him.

The lead role is played by Makoto Nakamura, who has frequently appeared in Nagatsuka's works and joined the company as a full member in May 2017. The cast includes seasoned actors and rising talents such as Kei Shi Nagatsuka, Shotaro Okubo, Mizuki Kimura, Keisuke Sakamoto, Mayuko Shibo, Akira Date, Chisun, Yuichiro Nakayama, and Sosuke Fujima.

Regarding this production, Nagatsuka stated, "The curtain rises on 'MAKOTO,' the new work from Asagaya Spiders, marking a new departure. I drafted the concept during the run of 'Hataraku Otoko' in 2016 and have nurtured this drama about a man in despair for two years. Makoto Nakamura, who has rejoined as a company member, takes the lead. Furthermore, seven new members have joined through auditions. Now, with the gears shifted to a higher setting, I intend to let loose this Japanese summer."

The play will be performed in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kanagawa, with additional performances in Niigata City and Matsumoto City.

Asagaya Spiders Vol. 26 "MAKOTO"

Written and Directed by: Kei Shi Nagatsuka

Cast: Makoto Nakamura / Shotaro Okubo / Mizuki Kimura / Keisuke Sakamoto / Mayuko Shibo / Akira Date / Chisun / Kei Shi Nagatsuka / Yuichiro Nakayama / Sosuke Fujima / Issei Mori / Chizuru Ri

Staff: Mitsuaki Adachi / Chiaki Kajiwara / Keiko Katahira / On Kato / Osamu Karasawa / Shigeo Saito / Taro Suzuki / Koichiro Tomioka / Satoshi Fukuzawa / Haruka Fujimori / Nozomi Muraoka / Mika Yamada

Tokyo Performances
Venue: Kichijoji Theatre
Dates: August 9 (Thu) - August 20 (Mon), 2018 (14 performances total) *Closed on August 14.
Times: [Aug 9] 19:00 [Aug 10] 19:00 [Aug 11] 13:00/18:00 [Aug 12] 13:00 [Aug 13] 19:00 [Aug 15] 14:00 [Aug 16] 14:00/19:00 [Aug 17] 19:00 [Aug 18] 13:00/18:00 [Aug 19] 13:00 [Aug 20] 14:00
Tickets: [Advance General] ¥5,000 [Same-day General] ¥5,500 [Balcony Seats] ¥3,000 [Arter Friends Association Members] ¥4,500 (handled by Musashino Culture and Sports Foundation)

Osaka Performances
Venue: Kintetsu Art Museum
Dates: August 25 (Sat) - August 26 (Sun), 2018 (3 performances total)
Times: [Aug 25] 14:00/19:00 [Aug 26] 14:00
Tickets: [Advance General] ¥5,500 [Same-day General] ¥5,800

Kanagawa Performances
Venue: KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theatre (Grand Studio)
Dates: September 7 (Fri) - September 9 (Sun), 2018 (4 performances total)
Times: [Sep 7] 19:00 [Sep 8] 13:00/18:00 [Sep 9] 13:00

Niigata Performances
Venue: Ryuto Pia Niigata City Performing Arts Center Theatre
Date: September 1 (Sat), 2018
Time: 13:30
Ryuto Pia Ticket Service Dial
Tel. 025-224-5521 (11:00 - 19:00, excluding holidays)

Matsumoto Performances
Venue: Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre Experimental Theatre
Dates: September 29 (Sat) - September 30 (Sun), 2018
Times: [Sep 29] 15:00 [Sep 30] 13:00
Inquiries: Tel. 0263-33-3800
*Sosuke Fujima will not be performing in the Matsumoto performances.

Contact Information

Asagaya Spiders

Tel. 070-4136-5788 (Weekdays 12:00 - 18:00)