Watch a Tokyo Stage Play in English: The Playboy of the Western World

Theatrical Production in Tokyo with English Subtitles

Theater lovers, rejoice! Through October 27, Kichijoji Theater presents a unique Japanese production of "The Playboy of the Western World" with English subtitles.

*English subtitles are provided only for the shows on October 24 and 25.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the pulse of Tokyo’s stage scene. Below are the performance highlights.

Directed by Kushida Kazuyoshi

"The Playboy of the Western World," by Irish playwright John Millington Synge, is a humorous and controversial play that played a major role in the Irish Literary Revival.

Japanese actor and stage director Kushida Kazuyoshi of Flying Theatre Jiyu Gekijo, known for his work in movies like "Nobody Knows" (2004) and "K-20: Legend of the Mask" (2008), has long been drawn to the play’s unique energy, which contrasts with urbane British drama. He has staged it five times since 1975.

In 2025, he presents a new adaptation, mounting it as a passionate “Rhapsody.”

Costume styling is by KAPITAL, a brand rooted in denim that honors traditional techniques while pursuing experimental, highly artistic designs from a global perspective.

Look forward to this slightly quirky tale of villagers on the western edge, presented at Kichijoji Theater - with English subtitles!

The Story

"The Playboy of the Western World" is the story of Christy Mahon, who arrives in a County Mayo tavern, claiming to be on the run for killing his father. He becomes a local hero and wins the heart of the barmaid, Pegeen Flaherty, due to his dramatic story and bold demeanor.

The town shuns him when his father reappears, alive. Christy attacks his father again to regain respect, but the townspeople, led by Pegeen, instead turn on him and try to hang him.

His father survives the second attack. Christy and his father reconcile and leave, while Pegeen is left lamenting the loss of her "playboy of the western world."

Tickets, Show Dates, and Access

Dates and Fours

October 20, 14:00
October 21, 14:00
October 22, 14:00
October 23, 14:00 and 19:00
October 24, 14:00 *English subtitles available
October 25, 13:00 and 17:00 *English subtitles available
October 26, 13:00
October 27, 14:00

Ticket Price

General admission: 7,800 yen
Pair tickets: 15,000 yen
U-30: 4,500 yen
U-18: 2,000 yen

*For the show at 19:00 on October 23 (Thursday)
General admission: 7,200 yen
U-30: 4,000 yen
U-18: 2,000 yen

The tickets can be purchased on the day of the show. For a reservation, contact Flying Theater Jiyu Gekijo in advance at: https://www.k-jiyugekijo.com/contact

Access

Kichijoji Theater: Google Map

Other details and information regarding the show are available in Japanese on the official website: https://www.k-jiyugekijo.com/rhapsody

Enjoy Theater in Kichijoji, Tokyo's Artistic District

Street in Kichijoji. Photo by Pixta

Visiting Kichijoji on October 24 or 25? Don't miss the performance at the Kichijoji Theater. It's a unique glimpse into Tokyo's vibrant stage arts, perfectly matching the area's bohemian atmosphere.