Mary Stuart with Rie Miyazawa | Stage Drama in Kitakyushu 2026
About this event
What this is
Mary Stuart is a major Japanese theatrical production dramatizing the tragic rivalry between Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I of England. Directed by the acclaimed Tamiya Kuriyama and starring celebrated actress Rie Miyazawa in the lead role, this production brings a powerful chapter of British royal history to vivid life on the Japanese stage. The collaboration between Kuriyama and Miyazawa is a returning partnership for 2026, suggesting a production that has already earned critical recognition. With an accomplished ensemble cast, the play explores themes of power, identity, and political survival set against the turbulent courts of 16th-century Britain.
Who should go
This production is ideal for theatre lovers, fans of historical drama, and anyone who appreciates high-calibre Japanese stage performance. Rie Miyazawa is one of Japan's most respected actresses, making this a genuine draw for those interested in contemporary Japanese performing arts. The subject matter — British royal history — gives international visitors an accessible entry point even without deep knowledge of Japanese theatre conventions. Note that dialogue will be entirely in Japanese, so non-Japanese speakers may wish to read up on the Mary Stuart story beforehand to follow the drama.
Good to know
J:COM Kitakyushu Arts Theater Main Hall is a large-capacity, fully seated venue located within the Riverwalk Kitakyushu cultural complex, easily reachable from Kokura Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line or the Kitakyushu Monorail. Tickets for productions of this calibre are typically sold through eplus.jp or pia.jp, both of which accept foreign credit cards; convenience store pickup at Lawson (combini) is the most reliable collection method for visitors without a Japanese delivery address. The main hall is a formal proscenium theatre with excellent sightlines from most seats — choose S or A tier seats for the best experience. The venue has a lobby bar and merchandise area that opens before the performance, and bag storage may be available at the cloakroom. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to collect tickets, browse the programme, and find your seat comfortably.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.