PLAY
Half term events for children at the National Theatre, 22 & 24 October 2001

This half-term PLAY goes Japanese offering an ideal way for children to experience this culture, perhaps for the first time.

BABY LOVE
22, 24 October 11.30am & 2.00pm · Olivier Stalls Foyer · £5 / 4 · Touring.

Himawari Theatre presents an adaptation of Quicksilver Theatre's award-winning Baby Love for 3-6 year olds in a unique co-production. This warm and intimate show is performed by Japanese actors in Japanese. It has a highly visual presentation and clear emotional drive to communicate the predicament of what to do when a new baby arrives and knocks the older sibling off its "only child" pedestal! From being the constant centre of attention, through the scary chaos of change, Hiro discovers the pain and delight of becoming a big brother who (eventually) comes to love his baby sister.

Previous versions of this production have continuously won the hearts of both children and parents. Himawari's

outstanding work for children has been recognised worldwide from 1952. Quicksilver (with 24 years of experience) produces new plays and performs them to children across Britain and abroad, providing many with their first experience of live theatre.

Chikao Suzumara plays Hiro and Eriko Tikatsuka plays his baby sister. Directed by Guy Holland, assisted by Atsushi Sato, with music by Etuko Furukawa and design by Philip Engleheart.

Baby Love is presented as part of Japan 2001. It tours to Darlington Arts Centre 25 October and Arc Theatre, Durham 27 and 28 October.

FREE FAMILY FOYER CONCERTS
22, 24 Oct 12.45pm · Lyttelton Foyer· Free

A guide for audiences of all heights to authentic Japanese music by experienced performers. Concerts are interspersed with explanations of the instruments, music and simple Japanese history.

22 October · CLIVE BELL & KIKU DAY
These performers present the Shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute historically associated with Zen monks and wandering samurai) and other far-east wind instruments. Bell lived and studied music for several years in Tokyo with top performer Kohachiro Miyata. He has a solo Shakuhachi album on the ARC label.

24 October · RIÉ YANAGISAWA
Rié Yanagisawa presents the Koto (Japanese harp whose history spans more than 12 centuries) and Shamisen (Japanese lute) in full Japanese costume.Yanagisawa has studied the koto since the age of eight. Since settling in London she has performed and given masterclasses in prestigious venues all over Europe.

PUBLIC INFORMATION
Recorded information: 020 7452 3327
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/events
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