Ludic Proxy was originally commissioned by The Play Company and premiered at Walker Space in April 2015 and was developed as part of Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s Process Space, Swing Space and Workspace programs. Support for Ludic Proxy: Fukushima was provided by NYSCA-A.R.T./New York Creative Opportunity Fund (A Statewide Theatre Regrant Program).

Ludic Proxy: Fukushima

Written and Directed by Aya Ogawa

Presented by Japan Society
in association with PlayCo

Sat., Mar. 6 at 9:30 pm ET
Sun., Mar. 7 at 4:30 pm ET
Thurs., Mar. 11 at 8 pm ET—Followed by a Live Artist Q&A

“The play shows how the simulated can adjoin, infuse or ultimately replace the actual.” – The New York Times

This video adaptation of NYC-based writer/director Aya Ogawa’s play Ludic Proxy follows a woman named Maho, visiting her older sister Maki who lives on the outskirts of the Fukushima nuclear evacuation zone in 2015. Maho functions as the audience’s avatar in the story as she gingerly navigates daily life in their hometown, post-3.11; however, time is of the essence when Maki reveals that she is pregnant. Using video games as a dramaturgy, viewers will be able to choose how Maho progresses through this harrowing set of circumstances through a real-time poll. The line between actual and virtual reality begins to fade in this immersive and dark play that explores human survival in the face of disaster. Streamed with English subtitles.

The live-polling “multi-player” version of this performance is only available at the above dates and times. Ticketholders will be able to participate in all three of the above performances and have access to an on-demand “single player” version, available following the Live Artist Q&A on Mar. 11 until Mar. 25. 

Tickets: $15/$12 members

Photos by Ludic Proxy: Fukushima (2021)