Comments have arrived from Toshiki Okada, the writer and director, and composer Dai Fujikura, for the upcoming performance of “Metamorphosis of a Living Room,” set to be staged from September 20th (Friday) to 29th (Sunday) at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre’s Theatre East in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
As part of the Tokyo Festival 2024 program, this musical drama will be performed by chelfitsch, led by Okada, and Dai Fujikura with Ensemble Nomad. The story begins with a family suddenly facing eviction due to an abrupt lease termination. However, as the plot unfolds, an overwhelming force beyond human control starts to emerge, gradually erasing the initial conflict from the stage. Eventually, an entirely new world takes over the performance.
This work was first premiered in May 2023 at the Vienna Festival, commissioned by the festival itself, and was later showcased at Germany’s Herrenhausen Arts Festival and the Holland Festival. Now, it will have its Japan premiere at the Tokyo Festival 2024.
Toshiki Okada
“Metamorphosis of a Living Room” is less of a music drama by that name and more of something crowned with that title—something born from the tension between music and theater. But calling it that doesn’t really convey the idea well. It’s hard for people to imagine what it is. So, reluctantly, we settle for calling it a music drama. This kind of thing takes time—maybe decades. Chelfitsch (and surely Dai Fujikura as well) are prepared to wait. We have no choice but to wait and continue to work at it steadily. The Tokyo performance is just one step in that process—transforming the world by having the audience witness it.Dai Fujikura
This music drama was created over two years, connecting Tokyo and my home in London through the internet, with Toshiki Okada and the Chelfitsch actors. From start to finish, we never compromised, and I believe we’ve created something truly unique. Okada-san mentioned that his experience at the Bonkuri Festival, which I directed and Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre hosted, influenced the final part of this music drama. It seems destined that we can now bring this performance to the very same venue, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. I believe it will be an even more special stage.
Tickets for “Metamorphosis of a Living Room” are on sale now at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space box office and at playguides, and will tour to Kobe Bunka Hall Chuno Hall in Hyogo Prefecture from February 1 (Sat) to 2 (Sun), 2025, and to Nagoya City Arts Center in Aichi Prefecture in March, 2025.
Tokyo Performing Arts Festival 2024 GEIGEI Autumn Selection
chelfitsch x Dai Fujikura with Ensemble Nomade
“Metamorphosis of a Living Room”
September 20, 2024 (Fri) – September 29, 2024 (Sun)
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Theatre East
Playwright/Director: Toshiki Okada
Composer: Dai Fujikura
Cast: Izumi Aoyagi, Chieko Asakura, Mariko Kawasaki, Ayana Shiihashi, Makoto Yazawa, Manami Watanabe
Performance: Ensemble Nomad
Tickets:
All seats are unreserved (with entry numbers)
- General: ¥6,000
- Seniors (65+): ¥5,500
- Under 29: ¥3,500
- High School Students and under: ¥1,000
General Sale:
Starts on Saturday, July 20, 10:00 AM
Discounts available for persons with disabilities (advance application required)
Ticket Outlets:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Box Office
- Web: https://www.geigeki.jp/ti/
- Phone: 0570-010-296 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, except closed days)
- Counter: Open hours (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, except closed days)
- Ticket Pia: https://pia.jp/t/geigeki/
- e+ (eplus): https://eplus.jp/
- Lawson Ticket: https://l-tike.com/
Note:
- Discount tickets for seniors (65+), under 29, and high school students or younger are available only at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Box Office in advance (limited quantity, ID required).
- No admission for preschool children.
- If you require wheelchair access, disability discounts, hearing loops, or audio guides, please contact the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Box Office before purchasing.
- The information and details of the performance are subject to change due to unavoidable circumstances.
- Tickets cannot be canceled or changed unless the performance is canceled.
- Please check the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre website for the latest information and important notices before attending.
