Directed by Kazuhiro Soda • Documentary • With Kanji Furutachi, Koichiro Genba, Oriza Hirata • 2012 • 170 minutes

Can the theatre arts survive in the 21st century?

If Theatre 1 is about the world of Hirata, Theatre 2 is a feature documentary, which depicts the relationship between Hirata and the world we live in. In order for his art and his not-so-commercial company to survive this highly capitalistic modern society, what kind of strategy does Hirata have and practice? 

Through the fascinating spirit and creativity of Oriza Hirata, Kazuhiro Soda's THEATRE 1 & 2 evokes a plurality of dimensions cleverly portrayed as inseparable aspects of the same problem: pedagogy vs. performance, culture vs. politics, individual creation and experiences vs. collective involvement and responsibilities. A tale of art in our time, THEATRE 1 & 2 is one of those rare and precious acts of filmmaking that delves deep into the essence of culture. —Jérôme Baron, Artistic director, Festival des 3 Continents

—Busan International Film Festival 2012
—Festival des 3 Continents 2012 - Winner - Young Jury’s Prize