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Stunning new play about arrival of the English in Japan, directed by the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Artistic Director Gregory Doran, and written by Mike Poulton and Shoichiro Kawai
William Adams, known in Japanese as Anjin, was an English maritime pilot who is believed to be the first Englishman to ever reach Japan. His story is brought to the stage in a stunning new play directed by the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Artistic Director, Gregory Doran, and written by Mike Poulton with Shoichiro Kawai.
Washed ashore on a strange and exotic land, Anjin soon finds himself as the trusted adviser to the powerful Shogun Tokugawa, drawn to the heart of a dangerous clash of cultures and struggle for power, whilst war threatens to erupt all around. Torn between two worlds and two lives, Anjin must decide who he really is, and where he really belongs.
An epic and compelling tale of friendship, honour, love and sacrifice, this beautifully staged new production stars the celebrated Japanese actor Masachika Ichimura alongside Stephen Boxer, Yuki Furukawa and an international cast direct from Japan and the UK. Performed in English and Japanese with surtitles in both languages.
ANJIN: THE SHOGUN & THE ENGLISH SAMURAI is presented in London by Thelma Holt and HoriPro Inc..
Performance times
Mon–Sat at 7.30pm
Wed & Sat Mats at 2.30pm
Running time
3 hrs (including one 20 min interval)