Makoto Shinkai's 'Garden of Words' stage play postponed

Another one bites the dust. And this time the damage is real given that it concerns none other than Makoto Shinkai. In order to tackle the COVID-19 disease and to respect social distancing norms now, the world premiere of the ‘Garden of Words’ the stageplay has been postponed indefinitely.

This news comes at the heel the Park Theatre London closing its operations as of March 17. The announcement came from The Whole Hog Team’s official Twitter handle carrying a statement from the show organizers, and an artwork by Makoto Shinkai (refer to our featured image).

Here’s what their statement read:

We apologize for the short notice & inconvenience. Ticket holders, please wait for a member of the Park Theatre box office team to be in touch in the coming days or weeks. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
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We are devastated by the news, but remain beyond excited about the production: we can’t wait to bring this world premiere stage adaptation based on the Anime from renowned director Makoto Shinkai (your name.) to life as soon as the situation allows.

As shared by the play’s official website, Garden of Words play is the anime’s official stage adaptation directed by Alexandra Rutter which will feature both Japanese and western artists and was meant to be performed in both London and Tokyo by the UK’s Whole Hog Theatre. The group is known for its anime-related stage adaptations like Princess Mononoke stage adaptation.

For the uninitiated, Garden of Words the animation by world-renowned director Makoto Shinkai of ‘Weathering With You’ fame, is a modern Tokyo tale inspired by ancient Man’yōshū poetry.

This subtle drama explores invisible disability, loss of human connection in a digital world and challenges us to consider the moral line between platonic and romantic longing.

(Image Credit: The Whole Hog Team)

For more updates and features on your favourite manga and anime, head here.

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