In an untouched mountainous area of Tokyo prefecture, there’s a village called Hinohara – a quiet place except perhaps for a cursed execution tree, a necromantic cat, and hairy ogre women. Doubtful Sound’s latest show is a selection of newly translated tales from the region along with stories about the Hinohara storytellers themselves. And includes live traditional music played on the shamisen.

Doubtful Sound is a Japanese theatre company currently based in London. They have performed folktales from around Japan in ancient temples, at festivals, over rivers, in Japanese gardens, and at theatres in Japan and England.