Mai Ishiguro
Photo: Atsuharu Ino
Mai Ishiguro
Born in Ibaraki prefecture, Mai Ishiguro is a playwright, director, actor, and founder of Gekidan-Futsu. After graduating from university, Ishiguro worked as a programmer while attending theater school, and in 2013 founded Gekidan-Futsu in order to stage her own plays. While weaving together different activities, including joint performances with other theater troupes, and providing scripts, direction, and acting for external troupes, she continues to hone her skills in pursuit of her own unique acting style and worldview. In 2025, Ishiguro received the Award for Outstanding Director for Secret and KISETSU-seasons- at the 33rd Yomiuri Theater Awards, and in 2026, KISETSU-seasons- was selected as a finalist for the 70th Kishida Kunio Drama Award. In addition to her own work, Ishiguro has a number of commissioned writing and directing projects planned, with considerable attention being paid towards her future activities.
