The story of Anjin, aka William Adams, the first Englishman to ever reach Japan, is a poignant historical narrative of the struggles faced when torn between two radically different cultures.
orced to leave the safety of his ship for the then mysterious land of Japan, Adams went on to become the most influential foreigner in the land. He gained the trust of a powerful Shogun, and was ultimately recognized as a samurai in his own right. Although Adams had a wife and children in England, he was forbidden to leave his new home, and ultimately remarried and died in Japan. Now the story is brought to life on the stage of Sadler’s Wells.
Gregory Doran’s production of ANJIN: THE SHOGUN & THE ENGLISH SAMURAI, written by Mike Poulton with Sho Kawai, will play eleven performances, from 31 January to 9 February 2013.The play will also serve as the launch pad for the celebrations in 2013 of the 400th anniversary of the start of Anglo-Japanese diplomatic and trade relations.
Billed as, “an epic and compelling tale of friendship, honour, love and sacrifice,” the production features celebrated Japanese actor Masachika Ichimura as the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, with Stephen Boxer in the title role and an international cast from Japan and Britain. Reflecting this international cast, the play will be performed both in English, and Japanese with subtitles.
Sadler’s Wells Theatre
Rosebery Avenue
London EC1R 4TN
Performances: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm; Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm
Running Time: 3 hours (including one interval)
Tickets: £16, £22, £29, £48
Box Office: 0844 412 4300
More information: www.sadlerswells.com
