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Alexandra Rutter

Director & Writer

Alexandra is a theatre-maker based in Tokyo with over a decade of experience specialising in unique Anglo-Japanese collaborations; creating adaptations from concept to conclusion. Best known for adapting Japanese popular culture for the stage, including securing permission for and directing the world’s first-ever adaptation of a Hayao Miyazaki film, Princess Mononoke (Studio Ghibli), as well as the first stage adaptation of Makoto Shinkai’s The Garden of Words.

Her work focusses on visual storytelling that takes characters and audiences on emotional journeys through movement, music and puppetry. She is dedicated to encouraging international collaboration with Japan; creating new theatrical worlds that encourage new audiences to the theatre and that support emerging artists and diversity.

Alexandra was Resident Director, Writer & Producer at Nelke Planning from 2017 to March 2024.

Theatre & Live Events

Awards

19th Keizo Saji Prize
2019
The鍵Key
Awarded by The Suntory Foundation for the Arts
Asiatic Society of Japan Young Scholar
2018
Daiwa Scholarship
2015-2017
Awarded by The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation
The Great Britain Sasakawa Award
2013
Princess Mononoke
Festgoers Award (Best Production)
2011
Five Kinds of Silence

Credits

Devil Butler with Black Cat: Tower of Celestial Whispers - The Musical
2026
Galaxy Theatre, Tokyo
Director
Devil Butler with Black Cat - Devils' Harvest Secret Dinner Show
2025
Cotton Club, Tokyo
Director
OUR COSMIC DUST
2025
Park Theatre, London
Director: Michinari Ozawa
Associate Director & Dramaturg
BLUE EGOIST
2024
Milano-za, Tokyo / Theatre Orix, Osaka
Director: Fumiya Matsuzaki
Puppet & Movement Director
Butlers' 歌劇『悪魔執事と黒い猫』~薔薇薫る舞踏会編~
2024
IMM Theatre, Tokyo
Director
舞台『言の葉の庭~THE GARDEN OF WORDS』
2023
Shinagawa Prince Hotel Stellar Ball, Tokyo
Director & Co-Adaptor
PRINCE OF TENNIS II (THE THIRD STAGE)
2023
Tokyo Dome City Hall / Mielparque Hall Osaka
Director: Yukio Ueyama
Puppet Design & Direction
THE GARDEN OF WORDS
2023
Park Theatre, London
Director & Co-Adaptor
ROMEO & JULIET
2022
Bunkamura Theatre Cocoon
Director & Performance Script
MUSICAL『DOROTHY~オズの魔法使い~』
2021
Nippon Seinenkan Hall and National Tour
Director: Tetsu Taoshita
Puppet Design & Direction
ST MATTHEW PASSION
2021
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
Director: Tetsu Taoshita
Movement Director
The鍵Key
2019
Tokyo / London
Director: Francesca Le Lohé
Dramaturg
Musical Magia Record - A Puella Magi Madoka Magica Story
2018
TBS Akasaka Act Theater
Director: Akiko Kodama
Creative Director
Tristan and Isolde
2017
DDD Aoyama X Theatre
Director / co-writer / movement / puppets
THE ENCOUNTER
2015
Complicité
Director: Simon McBurney
R&D Transcriber
舞台『Princess MONONOKE~もののけ姫~』
2013
New Diorama Theatre London / AiiA Theatre, Tokyo
Director / Producer
DANGEROUS LIAISONS
2012
Stahl Theatre, Auden Theatre
Director / Set Designer / Producer
FIVE KINDS OF SILENCE
2011
Warwick Arts Centre Studio
Director / Movement

Alexandra Rutter

Director & Writer