Hamlet: Orita/Isozaki, Tokyo Globe, September 1991. Theatre: Mermaid, London.

"Six sumptuously dressed figures settle themselves in kneeling positions on the stage; black-clad assistants adjust the hang of a gown, the line of a stiff white sleeve, and then scuttle off or crouch behind the actors, ready to perform some further tinkering later on. For a moment the actors are motionless, their heads turned slightly downward, but as the 'samisen' and drum begin to play behind the semi-transparent screens, and the singing narrator names the characters of the drama, one by one the six figures shiver and raise their heads, like puppets who have been given breath." Jeremy Kingston, Times 24.9.91.Courtesy of AHDS logo Arts and Humanities Data Service (AHDS).Donald Cooper : photographer. Rights: Donald Cooper. This image may be used for educational purposes only, any commerical use of this material requires the permission of the copyright holder Copyright 2003-5.