Mogio Kiyoshi's 'Taiko: I Wanted to Live in the Present' Revived by Gekidan Ensoubutai with New Cast After 4 Years

'Taiko: I Wanted to Live in the Present' will be performed from Thursday, July 23, 2026, to Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Ensoubutai Atelier / Kudanshita GEKIBA (1-10-2 Kudan-kita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo).

Tickets are currently on sale via Confetti (operated by Longrun Planning Co., Ltd., Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Daigo Kuriomatsu).

Ticket purchase link:

Official website https://www.g-ensoubutai.com/performance

Since its premiere in 1976, 'Taiko' has been a treasured masterpiece carefully nurtured by Gekidan Ensoubutai for over half a century. This marks its sixth revival, the first in four years.

A raw and unfiltered portrayal of 'war' by wartime playwright Mogio Kiyoshi. This revival features a new adaptation by Seitaro Asai, a completely renewed cast, and the troupe's signature use of live sound and lighting effects. Together with the audience, a new interpretation of 'Taiko' will be created.

Experience the overwhelming presence unique to the atelier space. Immerse yourself in the ensemble of words and sound within the theater.

Synopsis

Tonight, a boy soldier steps onto the battlefield for the first time.

A pitch-black sky with no stars. Silence.

From somewhere in the darkness, the sound of a distant drum reaches his ears as he stands on the front lines as a sentry.

Performance Overview

'Taiko: I Wanted to Live in the Present'

Performance Period: July 23 (Thu) – July 26 (Sun), 2026

Venue: Ensoubutai Atelier / Kudanshita GEKIBA (1-10-2 Kudan-kita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

Cast Shun Satake, Koji Suzuki, Takayoshi Morita, Yui Futagami, Satoko Kishi

[Music] THE★ENSOU BUTAI (Seitaro Asai, Sumi Ikeda)

Staff Playwright: Mogio Kiyoshi

Adaptation, Direction, Music: Seitaro Asai

Assistant Director: Sumi Ikeda

Lighting Design, Stage Art: Satoru Yoshibaya

Costumes: Yui Futagami Props: Takayoshi Morita

Lighting & Sound: Starlight.sound

Stage Manager: Shun Satake

Planning & Production: Gekidan Ensoubutai

Cooperation: Engeki Ouen | Freebeat

Organizer: The General Incorporated Association Gekidan Ensoubutai

Performance Schedule July 23 (Thu): 19:00

July 24 (Fri): 19:00

July 25 (Sat): 14:00 / 18:00

July 26 (Sun): 14:00

※ Doors open 30 minutes before showtime

※ Performance duration: up to 2 hours (no intermission)

Ticket Prices General: ¥3,000

Student: ¥2,500 (student ID required) (All seats unreserved, tax included)

About Gekidan Ensoubutai

Founded in June 1973 by Takeshi Kubota, who was then a member (and later leader) of 'Gekidan Enza,' part of the 'Gisho-za' theater company led by playwright Juro Mita.

The troupe pioneered a rare theatrical style at the time—performing music and sound effects live on stage using real instruments (a rock band). They have presented original plays as well as acclaimed modern dramas by contemporary playwrights.

Their modern adaptations of Japanese classical theater (Chikamatsu plays, Noh and Kyogen) have been praised as 'a new art form that evolves and inherits Japanese tradition,' and the troupe deeply feels its responsibility to pass history and culture on to future generations.

The powerful combination of immersive live sound and authentic acting unique to Ensoubutai has received high praise from audiences, with comments such as 'I was drawn into the intense dialogue and expressive live music' and 'I was completely immersed in the fantastical theatrical world.'

In 2007, Seitaro Asai became the troupe's leader. In 2011, they transformed their rehearsal space into a permanent venue: 'Ensoubutai Atelier / Kudanshita GEKIBA.' By meticulously crafting every detail from the rehearsal phase, they create an unparalleled sense of presence and focus on deeper integration of performers, music, lighting, space, and audience—something not possible in external theaters.

An overwhelming sense of presence and dynamism, woven from live music, words, movement, and stage art. Through their unique expression called 'Ensoubutai'—neither a musical nor a music drama—they deliver a 'new theatrical experience' to audiences.

Ticket Platform 'Confetti'

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