Anne’s Cradle

The story of Hanako Muraoka, who built an enduring bridge between cultures through her Japanese translation of the Canadian classic Anne of Green Gables. Educated by Canadian missionaries in an increasingly nationalistic early-twentieth-century Japan, Hanako navigated both Japanese literary circles and the women’s rights movement to forge her own place in the world and to envision a future beyond the divisions of the Second World War. Hanako’s story transforms and extends the life and words of L.M. Montgomery, especially her beloved heroine Anne, across continents, cultures, and generations.

Cover of the book "Anne's Cradle: The LIfe & Works of Hanako Muraoka" by Eri Muraoka, translated by Cathy Hirano.

A stage adaptation of the biography Anne’s Cradle: The Life and Works of Hanako Muraoka by Eri Muraoka, commissioned by the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Developed in part through rice & beans theatre’s DBLSPK Polyphonic Multilingual Creation Residency.

Two actors stand in front of a projection of a full moon and Japanese and English text.

Mayumi Yoshida and Yayoi Hirano at the Polyphonic showcase, May 2024. Projection design: Andie Lloyd with Yoriko Gillard.