Rising idol Nao Oriyama, a member of Shonen Ninja, has been cast in the leading role of the new iteration of the stage play Equus. The production will open in late January 2026 at Tokyo Globe Theatre, followed by performances in mid-February at Sankei Hall Breeze in Osaka.
This marks Oriyama‘s first leading stage role in three years, and it’s a challenging one: The emotionally intense role of Alan Strang in one of the most acclaimed plays of the 20th century.
The play is based on Peter Shaffer’s Equus, inspired by a real-life incident. On the surface, it portrays a disturbing crime, but at its core, it’s a profound psychological drama that confronts the darkness and passion of the human heart. The story follows a psychiatrist who is assigned to treat a boy after he blinds six horses with a metal spike. As he explores the boy’s mind, he gradually uncovers the true nature of his disturbing “faith” and “passion.”
First staged in London in 1973, Equus received widespread critical acclaim as a “shocking masterpiece that changed the course of theater history.” Its 1979 Broadway production earned multiple Tony Award nominations, including Best Actor, and ultimately won Best Play. Since then, Equus has been performed worldwide. The play made its Japanese debut in 1990 with the Shiki Theatre Company, and its 2007 West End revival, starring Daniel Radcliffe as Alan Strang, garnered international attention.
This new Japanese production will feature a fresh translation and direction by Eriko Ogawa, one of Japan’s most respected theater directors. Ogawa was the first Japanese graduate of the Actors Studio Drama School’s directing program in the U.S., and has received numerous honors, including the Yushi Odajima Translation Award, the Kinokuniya Individual Award, and the Yomiuri Theater Award for Best Director.
Her interpretation of Equus promises to sharply reexamine the boundary between sanity and madness through a contemporary lens, creating an “Equus” that speaks directly to today’s world.
At the center of Equus is Alan Strang, the child of an atheist father who rejects religion and a devout Christian mother who adores him. Growing up amid these contradictions, he develops a belief that horses are divine beings —a faith that eventually spirals into dangerous obsession. The play explores what drives the young man to commit his horrifying act, and the blurred lines between devotion, desire, and madness.
Stepping into this complex role is Oriyama.
Oriyama has been active in both dance and acting from a young age, known for his extraordinary sense of movement and quiet emotional power. He has performed in dance pieces designed by Ikuyo Kuroda, one of Japan’s leading contemporary choreographers, and has expanded into film and TV dramas in recent years, gaining praise and notoriety for his dynamic presence and nuanced performances.
Fans are eager to see how Oriyama will bring Alan’s fragile psyche and raw passion to life on stage —a role that demands both emotional depth and fearless vulnerability.
COMMENT FROM NAO ORIYAMA
“My name is Nao Oriyama, and I will be playing the role of Alan Strang in the stage production Equus. This will be my first performance at the Globe Theatre. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has given me this precious opportunity—to appear in such a production and to play the lead role.
In today’s world, where visual media continues to grow, I feel there is tremendous value in the live emotion and shock that only theater can deliver. The way performances unfold through real, physical interaction on stage, and the way stories are built in front of the audience—it’s all so incredibly beautiful. I hope you will come to the theater to see it, and experience it for yourself. I look forward to seeing you there.”
SYNOPSIS
Seventeen-year-old Alan Strang commits a shocking crime —he blinds six horses. Psychiatrist Martin Dysart is assigned to treat him, though no one understands Alan’s motive. During their sessions, Alan refuses to answer questions, instead humming advertising jingles. His father rejects religion, while his mother dotes on him with devout Christian faith. What lies hidden in Alan’s heart? As Dysart tries to reach the boy, his own inner conflicts are also laid bare.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
- Title: Equus
- Written by: Peter Shaffer
- Translation and Direction: Eriko Ogawa
- Starring: Nao Oriyama
- Tokyo Performances:
- Dates: Late January 2026
- Venue: Tokyo Globe Theatre
- Tickets: S Seats ¥11,000 / A Seats ¥9,500 (tax included, all seats reserved, no admission for preschool children)
- Inquiries: Tokyo Globe Theatre – 03-3366-4020
- Osaka Performances:
- Dates: Mid-February 2026
- Venue: Sankei Hall Breeze
- Tickets: S Seats ¥11,000 / A Seats ¥9,500 (tax included, all seats reserved, no admission for preschool children)
- Inquiries: Kyodo Information – 0570-200-888 (12:00–17:00, closed weekends and holidays)
- Official Website: https://www.equus-stage.jp
- Production Cooperation: Gorch Brothers
- Presented and Produced by: Tokyo Globe Theatre
Update: Eri Murakawa, Rei Okamoto, Takamasa Suga, Hayato Kondo, Masumi Tsuda, Satoshi Sakata, Satomi Nagano, Tetsuya Chiba, and others, join the cast in supporting roles. In a departure from previous productions, where Dr. Dysart was played by a man, the role will be performed by Murakawa.
Check out the newly unveiled visuals!
Check out the Juniors on their various social media platforms!
More Shonen Ninja on Dumpling Box!
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.