Story perspectives

Murakami’s London run highlights Barbican’s dancer extravaganza

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Barbican theatre in London stages a run of Haruki Murakami’s *Hard-Boiled Wonderland* and *The End of the World* from 8–11 October.
European director Philippe Decouflé leads a cast that includes ballerinas as unicorns, street dancers in spiked armor and Tokyo dancer Rikubouz.
Haruki Murakami attended rehearsals, called the performers extraordinary and praised their professionalism, while actor Fujiwara says the UK run could boost Japanese theatre’s public engagement in Japan.

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Story summary

The Barbican theatre in London stages a run of Haruki Murakami’s *Hard-Boiled Wonderland* and *The End of the World* from 8–11 October.
European director Philippe Decouflé leads a cast that includes ballerinas as unicorns, street dancers in spiked armor and Tokyo dancer Rikubouz.
Haruki Murakami attended rehearsals, called the performers extraordinary and praised their professionalism, while actor Fujiwara says the UK run could boost Japanese theatre’s public engagement in Japan.