End of the World and Hard-Boiled Wonderland

adapted by Ako Takahashi
based on the book by Haruki Murakami
Esplanade Theatre, Singapore

Glad to see another visually sumptuous, Murakami adaptation on stage. Produced by HoriPro Inc., End of the World and Hard-Boiled Wonderland premiered in Tokyo in January before embarking on an international tour that starts with Singapore. 

Directed and choreographed by Philippe Decouflé and adapted for the stage by Ako Takahashi, it's a cerebral, entertaining yet quietly devastating story that see-saws between two parallel narratives with the slickness of a thriller. 

Decouflé marshals a taut and talented cast led by Tatsuya Fujiwara and Misato Morita, weaving immersive multimedia, fluid choreography and arresting live music into a vivid staging of Murakami's text. The gradual mingling of the storylines is beautifully executed, culminating in a dazzling final sequence that will remain with one for a long time. 

The idea of surrendering one's consciousness and losing the essential agency that makes us human gains added potency in this relentless age of AI.

The Crystalwords score: 4/5