The Human Condition has staged a new work based on the Sagamihara stabbings of 2016. Focusing on the issue of how we can overcome the “ableist” ideology that drove the killer, the work was created with the aim of sharing a belief in the human capacity for coexistence.
In preparation for the September performances, The Human Condition conducted three research presentations in May and June, as well as open discussion as part of the creative process for the work. In addition to documentary research and interviews at actual facilities for people with disabilities, the cast included one actor with a physical disability and one with an intellectual disability. After the research presentations and prior to the performances, the troupe also released statements, production notes, interviews etc. about the objectives of the work, building audience awareness of the bigger picture beyond the actual work. Each theater performance also included a talk session with/among audience members, and the troupe continued to respond to questions and opinions online after the production was over.