“The Bear”written by Anton Chekhov, in an adaptation by Brian Friel and
directed by Tsuyoshi　Ito. After a performance of Brian Friel’s version of “The Bear” with an all-female cast, guest performers will give a reading of the original Chekhov play. The audience is sure to enjoy Brian Friel’s 2002 adaptation of “The Bear,” originally written in 1888, discovering how it differs from the original as well as Friel’s perspective and innovations as a playwright. The cast features Michiko Sano in the role of Elena, Natsuno　Kikuchi as Smirnov, and Yoko Yamamoto as Luka. Reading guests comprise Shigeru Sato (Seinendan/SHIGERU KIKAKU), Hiroshi Ota (Seinendan), and Atsushi Saitou (Haiyuza Theatre Company).