キャッチコピー

A Message from the Artistic Director of BIRD Theatre Festival

You can discover theatre from around the world in a small castle town with beautiful streetscapes. Since its first edition in 2008, the BIRD Theatre Festival has maintained its core theme: to offer visitors a relaxing, extraordinary autumn day filled with a variety of theatrical performances, food, and shopping. This year, however, we are tackling a much starker theme: “War, the crisis of democracy, the weak yen, rising prices, and the hardships of rural life! That’s why we’re doing this!”

I feel that society is being tested in so many ways. Theatre does not have the power to directly address the issues shaking society. However, in times of upheaval, theatre has the power to make us think about what is important to individuals and to communities. This is because the exchange of earnest, raw energy lies at the very heart of theatre.

A theatre festival, where works from many different countries come together, has an especially distinctive power. It lets us feel, in a tangible way, the diversity of people and cultures, as well as the universality of humanity that remains unchanged across borders.

But that is precisely the tricky part of the festival. Quite simply, a theatre festival cannot happen without many people moving. It is not something that can be done only by moving data online. That is why it takes money and effort. But that is also what generates heat—perhaps the heat of collaboration, the heat of friendship, or even the heat from friction. In any case, heat is generated, and heat changes things and sets them in motion.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the BIRD Theatre Company. To celebrate, we are inviting companies that have presented memorable works at our past festivals, as well as those with whom we have built deep ties. Thanks to your steadfast support, our activities in Shikano Town, a mountainous area of Tottori City in Tottori Prefecture—the least populous prefecture in Japan—have nurtured such strong bonds of friendship and trust. I hope to share the fruits of this journey with all of you.

NAKASHIMA Makoto

Why You’ll Love
BIRD Theatre Festival 19

Travel the World Right Here!

Experiencing theatre from other countries makes you feel like you’re on a trip overseas. Enjoy travelling the world with subtitles to guide you.

With the New Outdoor Stage, the Festival Now Features Four Venues!

Take a nice walk through Shikano Town to reach the next venue.

The World-renowned Master SUZUKI Tadashi Brings His Work to the Stage!

The activities of the BIRD Theatre Company have been modelled on Mr Suzuki’s work in Toga Village, Toyama Prefecture. He will present a performance to mark the theatre’s 20th anniversary.

Our Ground Is Now a Lawn!

The ground in front of the BIRD Theatre has been covered with grass. Feel free to run about or lie down and relax.

Our Festival Pop-up Shop Is Open!

Showcasing excellent crafts and food from Tottori, the shop is open again this year. Even locals can discover rare and wonderful items.

BIRD Theatre Cafe Is Open for Business!

Now relocated to a new facility, BIRD Theatre Cafe is fully up and running this year as well. There are also more and more appealing shops opening in Shikano Town.

Programmes

  • All
  • 18 Sept
    (Fri)
  • 19 Sept
    (Sat)
  • 20 Sept
    (Sun)
  • 21 Sept
    (Mon)
  • 22 Sept
    (Tue)
  • 23 Sept
    (Wed)
  • 26 Sept
    (Sat)
  • 27 Sept
    (Sun)
  • 3 Octo
    (Sat)
  • 4 Octo
    (Sun)
  • All
  • Performance
  • Workshop / Symposium
  • Walking around town / Party
  • Other Programmes
  • Concurrent Events
TOWA MURA
Performance

TOWA MURA

BIRD Theatre Company TOTTORI [From Tottori, Japan] + TOM POW and The Galloway Agreement [From Scotland, UK]

Friday, 18, September 18:30-
Saturday, 19, September 18:30-
Sunday, 20, September 18:30-
*There will be a talkback after each performance.

BIRD Theatre [Theatre]

Born from 'Little Red Riding Hood'  + Reading Performance of Prize-winning play from the 'Short Play Competition for All'
Performance

Born from 'Little Red Riding Hood' + Reading Performance of Prize-winning play from the 'Short Play Competition for All'

JIYU Gekijo-Freedom Theatre + BIRD Theatre Company TOTTORI [From Tottori, Japan]

"Saturday, 19, September 11:00-
Sunday, 20, September 11:00-"

Shikano Socializing and Exchange Hall ‘Dream’

Butoh Lecture-Performance: "Authentic Fake"
Performance

Butoh Lecture-Performance: "Authentic Fake"

MEGURO Daiji [From Kyoto, Japan]

Saturday, 19, September 13:30-
Sunday, 20, September 13:30-
*There will be a talkback after each performance.

The Assembly Hall Theatre

SENSŌ The Game of War
Performance

SENSŌ The Game of War

LHP / Didier Galas [From France]

Saturday, 19, September 16:30-
Sunday, 20, September 16:30-
*This event may be canceled in the event of rain or severe weather.
*There will be a talkback after each performance.

BIRD Theatre [Outdoor Theatre]

BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary International Arts Exchange Workshop Dance Workshop
Workshop / Symposium

BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary International Arts Exchange Workshop
Dance Workshop

Régine Chopinot
Assistants: Bekaye Diaby, Naoko Ishiwada

Monday, 21 September (National Holiday) and Tuesday, 22 September (National Holiday), 10:00–16:00 (Lunch break 13:00–14:00)
*Performance: Wednesday, 23 September (National Holiday), 14:00–16:30

Shikano Socializing and Exchange Hall 'Dream'

BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary International Arts Exchange Workshop Play Reading Workshop
Workshop / Symposium

BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary International Arts Exchange Workshop
Play Reading Workshop

Rob Urbinati

Monday, 21 September (National Holiday) and Tuesday, 22 September (National Holiday), 10:00–16:00
Wednesday, 23 September (National Holiday), 10:00–12:00
*Performance: Wednesday, 23 September (National Holiday), 14:00–16:30

Shikanogokoro

BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary International Arts Exchange Workshop Theatre Workshop for Children
Workshop / Symposium

BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary International Arts Exchange Workshop
Theatre Workshop for Children

Alex Rigg

Monday, 21 September (National Holiday) and Tuesday, 22 September (National Holiday), 10:00–16:00
*Performance: Wednesday, 23 September (National Holiday), 14:00–16:30

Conference Room (2F), Tottori City Office Shikano Branch

BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary International Arts Exchange Workshop Music Workshop
Workshop / Symposium

BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary International Arts Exchange Workshop
Music Workshop

Ruth Morris & Gavin Marwick (The Galloway Agreement)

Tuesday, 22 September (National Holiday), 10:00–15:30
Wednesday, 23 September (National Holiday), 10:00–13:00
*Performance: Wednesday, 23 September (National Holiday), 14:00–16:30

BIRD Theatre [Annex]

BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary International Arts Exchange Workshop Workshop Showcase
Workshop / Symposium

BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary International Arts Exchange Workshop
Workshop Showcase

Wednesday, 23 September (National Holiday), 14:00-16:30

BIRD Theatre [Theatre]

BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary Symposium: Exploring How Theatre Connects with Our Lives
Workshop / Symposium

BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary Symposium: Exploring How Theatre Connects with Our Lives

Monday, 21 September (National Holiday), 12:30-15:00
Tuesday, 22 September (National Holiday), 12:30-15:00

BIRD Theatre [Foyer]

Story of TT: The life and influence of Tori Tomalia
Performance

Story of TT: The life and influence of Tori Tomalia

Tae Hoon Yoo + The Zoom Arts Center [From South Korea]

Saturday, 26, September 11:00-
Sunday, 27, September 11:00-
*There will be a talkback after each performance.

Shikano Socializing and Exchange Hall ‘Dream’

Staged Reading of Play by Japanese American Playwright : Beautiful Blessed Child
Performance

Staged Reading of Play by Japanese American Playwright : Beautiful Blessed Child

BIRD Theatre Company TOTTORI [From Tottori, Japan] / Queens Theatre [From USA]

Saturday, 26, September 13:30-
Sunday, 27, September 13:30-
*There will be a talkback after each performance.

The Assembly Hall Theatre

« top »
Performance

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Régine Chopinot – Cornucopiae – the independent dance [From France]

Saturday, 26, September 16:30-
Sunday, 27, September 16:30-
*There will be a talkback after each performance.

BIRD Theatre [Outdoor Theatre]

The Lady Aoi
Performance

The Lady Aoi

BIRD Theatre Company TOTTORI [From Torrori, Japan]

Saturday, 26, September 18:30-
Sunday, 27, September 18:30-
*There will be a talkback after each performance.

BIRD Theatre [Theatre]

The Mountain that Loved a Bird
Performance

The Mountain that Loved a Bird

Iida Vanttaja [From Finland]

Saturday, 3, October 11:00-
Sunday, 4, October 11:00-
*There will be a talkback after each performance.

The Assembly Hall Theatre

 Patriarchy, - Living in eternal lock down
Performance

Patriarchy, - Living in eternal lock down

Winter Family [From France / Israel]

Saturday, 3, October 13:30- Sunday, 4, October 13:30-
*There will be a talkback after each performance.

Shikano Socializing and Exchange Hall ‘Dream’

The Restaurant of Many Orders
Performance

The Restaurant of Many Orders

BIRD Theatre Company TOTTORI [From Tottori, Japan]

Saturday, 3, October 16:30-
Sunday, 4, October 16:30-
*No post-show talkback

BIRD Theatre [Outdoor Theatre]

The Origin of the Song “Karatachi Nikki”
Performance

The Origin of the Song “Karatachi Nikki”

Suzuki Company of Toga [From Toyama, Japan]

Saturday, 3, October 18:30-
Sunday, 4, October 18:30-
*There will be a talkback after each performance.

BIRD Theatre [Theatre]

Walk around Shikano
Walking around town・Party

Walk around Shikano

"Saturday & Sunday, 19–20 September 15:00 (after the performance of “Authentic Fake”) –16:00
Saturday & Sunday, 26–27 September 15:30 (after the performance of “Beautiful Blessed Child”) –16:15
Saturday & Sunday, 3-4 October 15:15 (after the performance of “Patriarchy, - Living in eternal lock down”) –16:00

In Shikano Town

Opening Party / Welcome Party / Closing Party
Walking around town・Party

Opening Party / Welcome Party / Closing Party

Opening Party: Saturday, 19 September, 20:30-22:00
Welcome Party: Saturday, 26 September, 20:00-22:00
Closing Party: Sunday, 4 October, 20:00-22:00

BIRD Theatre [Foyer]

Deep in the Mountains
Other Programmes

Deep in the Mountains

Friday, 18, September 17:30-
Saturday, 19, September 17:30-
Sunday, 20, September 17:30-

BIRD Theatre [Foyer]

Family Photo Session by MIZUMOTO Shunya
Other Programmes

Family Photo Session by MIZUMOTO Shunya

Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Monday 21 (National Holiday) and Tuesday 22 (National Holiday) September
Each day at 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00

Around the BIRD Theatre and in Shikano Town

MIZUMOTO Shunya Photo Exhibition: Tottori – Since 2011
Other Programmes

MIZUMOTO Shunya Photo Exhibition: Tottori – Since 2011

Friday, 18, September - Sunday, 27, September 10:00-18:30

Around the BIRD Theatre and in Shikano Town

Demonstration: The Green Table 2017 Anthology
Concurrent Events

Demonstration: The Green Table 2017 Anthology

Wednesday, 23 September (National Holiday), 13:30-14:00

BIRD Theatre [Theatre]

TOTTORI SHIKANO MACHIMISE – Weekend Town Market
Concurrent Events

TOTTORI SHIKANO MACHIMISE – Weekend Town Market

Saturday, 26, September 11:00-16:00
Sunday, 27, September 11:00-16:00

In Shikano Town

Ticket Booking

[ The Period of The Festival ]   18 September - 4 October 2026

[ Venues ]   BIRD Theatre and surrounding locations in Shikano, Tottori

Host
  • BIRD Theatre Management Committee
Co-Host
  • Tottori Prefecture
  • Tottori City
  • BIRD Theatre Company TOTTORI
Grant
  • FY2026 Project of BIRD Theatre Management Committee Utilising Subsidy from Tottori Prefecture(Except some projects)
  • FY2026 Tottori City Cultural and Artistic Activities Support Grant (Project for Organising BIRD Theatre 20th Anniversary and BIRD Theatre Festival 19)(Except some projects)
Support
  • Tottori Prefecture Board of Education
  • Tottori City Board of Education
  • Yonago City Board of Education
  • Kurayoshi City Board of Education
  • Sakaiminato City Board of Education
  • Iwami-cho Board of Education
  • Wakasa-cho Board of Education
  • Chizu-cho Board of Education
  • Yazu-cho Board of Education
  • Misasa-cho Board of Education
  • Yurihama-cho Board of Education
  • Kotoura-cho Board of Education
  • Hokuei-cho Board of Education
  • Hiezu-cho Board of Education
  • Daisen-cho Board of Education
  • Nanbu-cho Board of Education
  • Hoki-cho Board of Education
  • Nichinan-cho Board of Education
  • Hino-cho Board of Education
  • Kofu-cho Board of Education
  • The Shin Nihonkai Shimbun Co.,Ltd.
  • The Asahi Shinbun Company Tottori Head Office
  • The San-in Chuo Shimpo Newspaper Co.,Ltd
  • Manichi Shinbun Tottori Branch Office
  • The Yomiuri Shinbun Torroti Branch Office
  • The Sankei Shinbun Co.,Ltd.
  • Nikkei Inc.
  • Tottori Branch Office
  • Chugoku Shinbun Tottori Branch Office
  • NHK Tottori
  • NIHONKAI TELECASTING CO.,LTD.
  • Broadcasting System of San-in,Inc.
  • San-in Chuo Television Broadcasting
  • Kyodo News Tottori Branch Office
  • JIJI PRESS LTD. Tottori Branch Office
  • Nihonkai Cable Network,Inc.
  • TOTTORI TELETOPIA
  • Chukai Cable Television
  • Tottori Central Cable broadcasting
  • FM-SANIN Co.,Ltd.
  • Radio Bird
  • DARAZ FM
  • TOTTORI PTA Association
  • Tottori Culture and Arts Foundation
  • Tottori Prefecture International Exchange Foundation
  • Social Welfare Corporation - Tottori Prefecture Welfare Association for the Physically Disabled
  • Public Interest Incorporated Association - Tottori Prefecture Welfare Association for the Visually Impaired
  • Public Interest Incorporated Association - Tottori Prefecture Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association

[ Artistic Director ]   NAKASHIMA Makoto(BIRD Theatre Company TOTTORI Artistic Director)