Théâtre du Soleil

Founded in France in 1964. Based at former munitions factory "La Cartoucherie" outside of Paris, the company is known for its distinctive collective creation approach. The group’s French Revolution-themed work “1789” staged in 1970 attracted worldwide attention with its innovative theatrical techniques. The troupe’s repertoire ranges from classics to works dealing with contemporary issues such as refugee. The group made its long-awaited Japan debut in 2001 at the New National Theatre, Tokyo with “Tambours sur la digue”, a much talked-about work that boldly incorporated Asian puppet theatre traditions, in particular the fundamentals of Japanese Bunraku.

Ariane Mnouchkine

Born in Paris in 1939. While at Sorbonne University in Paris she formed the ATEP (Association Théâtrale des Étudiants de Paris or Parisian Students’ Theatrical Association). In 1964 she formed Théâtre du Soleil with mainly ATEP members. For more than half a century since, she has worked as a director at the fore of contemporary theatre alongside Peter Brook and other leading figures. In the 1980s she was noted for her series of Shakespeare adaptations, and in the 1990s she again attracted attention for a series of works based on Greek plays. Mnouchkine’s work incorporating techniques from the physical theatre traditions of Asia has also put her in the limelight. She also directed a film version of “1789” and “Molière.” In recognition of her achievements over many years, in 2019 she was awarded the 35th Kyoto Prize in the category of Arts and Philosophy/Theater, Cinema.