To MyJapanese Friends and Colleagues
I am honored that you have chosen to perform my adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. On the occasion of its Japanese premiere, I am proud to count as colleagues the members of Japan's most distinguished modern theatre company. And I am humbled to imagine appearing, even as the tiniest footnote, in the long Parade of Japan's venerable theatre tradition which has given the world Kabuki, Noh and Bunraku (the last, you should know, is having an increasing influence on the theatricality of American work).
And, wherever he is, I am sure that the shade of Charles Dickens joins me in my thanks, and that he extends a ghostly hand of good will and fellowship, saying with me.
God bless us, every one, and Break a leg!
Michael Paller
