Joris Mathieu, Haut et Court Collective

Hikikomori – The Shelter is a futuristic story about fitting in and finding your place. The play uses a unique and original sound design allowing audiences three different viewpoints on the same story.

'Hikikomori' is a modern-age social phenomenon: it literally means 'withdrawal from others' in Japanese. Based on this new social act of reclusion, Joris Mathieu and the Haut et Court Collective - a leading French theatre team working out of the National Drama Centre in Lyon - have created a futuristic story about a teenager’s decision to withdraw from the world.

Nils is a young boy going through hard times at school as well as in his relationships with others. Nils finds it hard to fit into society. One day, Nils decides to hide in his room and never leave...

Three storylines offer three perspectives on a single performance on stage. Using headphones, audiences can choose to experience the story through the eyes of the mother, father or Nils himself. Hikikomori reminds us that there are as many ways to understand our existence as there are ways to exist.

Recommended for ages 8 and over.