Hokkaido Playwright Award Winner 'Chekhov is also the Name of a Bird' to Premiere in Kyoto, July 2026
Award-winning play 'Chekhov is also the Name of a Bird' by Kyoto's Knit Cap Theater will be performed at the Kyoto Prefectural Center for Arts and Culture from July 17-19, 2026. This marks the play's long-awaited home-city premiere.
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The acclaimed play 'Chekhov is also the Name of a Bird,' produced by the Kyoto-based Knit Cap Theater, will be performed at the Kyoto Prefectural Center for Arts and Culture from July 17 to July 19, 2026. Written and directed by Gomanohae, the play premiered in 2019 and received the prestigious Hokkaido Playwright Award (Grand Prize) in February 2023. Following a successful tour in Hokkaido in 2024, the production will finally be staged in the company's home city of Kyoto.
The story is set on the island of Sakhalin (Karafuto), situated between Japan and Russia. It is a 100-year chronicle following the lives of Russians, Japanese, Koreans, and indigenous peoples like the Ainu and Nivkh. The narrative interweaves the perspectives of historical figures such as Anton Chekhov and Kenji Miyazawa, who once visited the island, depicting people's resilience amidst geopolitical shifts.
Tickets are currently on sale through the Confetti ticketing service. Gomanohae, the playwright and director, expressed his excitement, noting that the work has evolved significantly over the seven years since its premiere. In addition to the Kyoto performances, a staging in Sapporo is planned as part of the Sapporo Theater Season 2026.
The story is set on the island of Sakhalin (Karafuto), situated between Japan and Russia. It is a 100-year chronicle following the lives of Russians, Japanese, Koreans, and indigenous peoples like the Ainu and Nivkh. The narrative interweaves the perspectives of historical figures such as Anton Chekhov and Kenji Miyazawa, who once visited the island, depicting people's resilience amidst geopolitical shifts.
Tickets are currently on sale through the Confetti ticketing service. Gomanohae, the playwright and director, expressed his excitement, noting that the work has evolved significantly over the seven years since its premiere. In addition to the Kyoto performances, a staging in Sapporo is planned as part of the Sapporo Theater Season 2026.
FAQ
What are the performance dates for the play in Kyoto?
The play will run from July 17 (Fri) to July 19 (Sun), 2026, at the Kyoto Prefectural Center for Arts and Culture.
Is the play based on a true story?
It is a fictional chronicle based on meticulous research into the 100-year history of Sakhalin (Karafuto) and its diverse inhabitants.
How can I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available online through the 'Confetti' ticketing service operated by Long-run Planning Co., Ltd.