The Australian Back to Back Theatre company is an ensemble of actors with a range of disabilities that has been producing theater works for more than 30 years. Their first performance in Japan took place in 2013 with the piece Ganesh vs. the Third Reich as part of the Festival/Tokyo. They returned in 2018 with the play small metal objects, organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Back to Back Theatre’s internationally renowned works shine a sharp light on the darker corners of society. Pioneers of inclusive theater, they employ the powers of fiction to constantly question the difficulties of surviving within the oppressiveness of contemporary society.

At Aichi 2022, the group present ODDLANDS, a science-fiction story about a near-future society controlled by society and the curious fate of two cleaners dispatched to a radiation-poisoned region, and their latest work SHADOW. Both plays ask sharp questions about the way contemporary society treats issues such as discrimination, discriminated people, alienation, care work, living and coexisting. Additionally, writer and director Bruce Gladwin is scheduled to join for a post-performance discussion.

*Back to Back Theatre will not be present in person

*The respective works will be screened as recordings

• Back to Back Theatre Website

Selected Works & Awards

2014

Herald Angel Critic’s Award, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh, UK

2012

Helpmann Award for Best Australian Work, Australia

2008

New York Dance and Performance Award (Bessie Award), USA

2005

Sidney Myer Performing Arts Group Award, Australia

• ODDLANDS, 2017
• Photo: Jeff Busby

• Photo: Jeff Busby