Some time ago I wrote of the passing of Tokyo Theater for Children, an organization with a long history of exciting, well-staged performances for adults as well as children. My report, fortunately, was premature. It needed new people to take over, and they came, drawn by the enthusiasm of Jude Kaye who sent me periodic reports of their progress. Now their first performance, "Aladdin," is about to be staged. Jude wrote of the challenges of revitalization: One day when she was walking her dog in Arisugawa Park, it occurred to her that there must be a great source of talent among other dog walkers. She talked to them and to those who just stopped to pet the dogs and the idea took off, resulting in a multinational group of men and women working together to bring live theater in English to children in Japan.
Both professionals and amateurs are involved and amazing things have been accomplished. The props people, for example, have created a washing machine with controls (cold, hot and ouch!) that light up. There is a monkey, a dragon and a two-person camel costume. Many have given generously of their time and energy although at first they were told it was difficult to get people involved anymore. Jude says that although Tokyo has changed, it seems people are still willing to give up their time for children. Performances will be held Feb. 12 at 11 a.m., 2:30 and 5:30 p.m., and Feb. 13 at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Tickets have been selling so well that some who want to attend will be disappointed, but they can sign up to work on the next performance or order tickets for it in advance. Call (03) 3746-3470 or (03) 5421-4990 for information. Noting one of those many changes in Tokyo, Jude said that in previous years, it wasn't hard to find women to help. Now many more women are working, but there is a great number of men whose wives are here professionally and who are taking a few years off from their own careers. They have provided a tremendous input of ideas and effort into "Aladdin."