The history of Beckett in this region includes performance practices that have introduced (and adapted) Beckett’s work for Japanese theatre, translations of Beckett’s work into Japanese since the 1950s, and important scholarly interventions into the field of Beckett studies. There is a rich record of scholarship emerging from Japan that has expanded the global reach of our understanding of Beckett.

The foundational scholarly and translation work of Professors Shin’ya Ando and Yasunari Takahashi exemplifies this, as does the work of the Beckett Research Circle of Japan, which was founded in 1992 and continues Japanese critical engagement with Beckett.

This seminar series seeks to mark these histories of Beckett’s work in Japanese culture, as well as explore the significance of Japanese thinking and performance practices on our understanding of Beckett.

Further seminars are planned for Spring 2023.

Seminar 1

Shigeyama Akira (Noho Theatre Company) & Jonah Salz (Ryukoku University),

‘Beckett/Japan/Kyogen Resonances in the Noho Theatre Group’s Early Works’

Chair: Yoshiko Takebe

10.00-11.30am (Dublin/London time) / 6.00-7.30pm (Tokyo time)

Download Full Programme Beckett and Japan seminars Oct 2022.pdf