The tragic story of a caretaker/gardener who falls in love with a lawyer to whom he writes 101 letters. Unmoved by mere words, she sets him a challenge and the story draws to a close with heartbreaking consequences. He is a typical Mishima hero and his lines are simple and direct although his character is deeply complex.

 The Damask Drum, 2004 © Elena Machado


Metro Critic’s Choice Summer 2004

“Nigel Hook’s setting is imaginative, the music is coolly eclectic, and Lu Firth’s costumes are stunning.”
– Madeleine North, Time Out

“‘StoneCrabs’ commitment to multi-culturalism is impressive”‘
– Catherine Shoard, The Sunday Telegraph

“Japanese gem.”
– Samantha Payne, Newsshopper


Directed by Franko Figueiredo
Assistant Director: Natascha Metherell
Cast: Tereza Araujo; Carli Goodwin; Belinda Hoare; Etsuko Shirasaka; Akiko Sato & Jay Lim
Set Designer: Nigel Hook
Costume Designer: Lu Firth
Sound and Image Designers: Dinah Mullen & Luciano Pina
Choreographer: Estelle Ricoux & Mindi
Photographer: Elena Machado
Graphic Designers: Estelle Ricoux & Elena Machado
Production Assistants: Cris Darke & Sandra Veiga
Stage Management by Santiero Production and Events

The Damask Drum was presented at the Greenwich Playhouse and supported by Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, Japan Foundation, Docklands Light Railway and Southeastern Trains.