Giant No-Face and 4m Haku: Hands-On Stage Revival of Studio Ghibli Classic
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
A 180-minute stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki’s film Spirited Away opened in Seoul, topping ticket charts and drawing long lines for photo zones and merchandise. Directed by John Caird (Les Misérables) with cultural input from his Japanese co-director Imai Maoko, the production emphasizes analog puppetry and live performance over heavy video effects. Over 50 puppets are manipulated by actors—No-Face can be played by up to 12 performers, the six-armed boiler man is shared by several actors, and Haku’s dragon puppet exceeds 4 meters with 4,000 hand-planted hairs—creating an immersive, walk-in experience that preserves the film’s emotional tone. Live orchestra, dense acting (including original voice actors in adult roles), and careful stagecraft recreate the film’s world while requiring audience imagination. The show runs through March 22; viewers unfamiliar with the movie are advised to watch it beforehand for better enjoyment.
