Casting details have been released for The Royal Shakespeare Company’s stage adaptation of the Studio Ghibli anime My Neighbour Totoro, which will make its global premiere at the Barbican Theatre this autumn.
The original 1988 animated feature film by Hayao Miyazaki tells the coming-of-age story of sisters Satsuki and Mei who moved to the countryside to be close to their mother while she recovers from an illness.
While exploring their new surroundings, Mei meets an array of enchanting magical creatures including the ancient protector of the forest which she decides to name Totoro.
Both sisters enter a world of whimsy and magic as they are whisked away on exciting adventures with wondrous forest spirits, sprites and natural wonders.
Ami Okumura Jones and Mei Mac will play the roles of Satsuki and Mei respectively.
The cast also consists of a team of puppeteers which will bring this fantasy story to life: Li-Leng Au, Boaz Chad, Andrew Futaishi, Zachary Hing, Yojiro Ichikawa, Arina Ii, Marian Lee, Matthew Leonhart, Aki Nakagawa, Tobi Poster-Su, Si Rawlinson and Shaofan Wilson.
Various company members will play characters alongside their puppeteering roles. Haruka Abe plays Yasuko, Nino Furuhata plays Kanta, Susan Momoko Hingley plays Miss Hara, Haruka Kuroda plays Nurse Emiko, Kanako Nakano plays Tsukiko, Michael Phong Le plays Hiroshi, Dai Tabuchi plays Tatsuo and Jacqueline Tate plays Granny.
Directed by Phelim McDermott, the show features production design by Tom Pye, costumes by Kimie Nakano, lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun, movement by You-Ri Yamanaka and puppetry created by Basil Twist.
Tickets for My Neighbour Totoro are available for purchase at the Barbican Theatre Website.
Words by Katie Heyes
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