ABOUT
Theatre Unit QD
is a theatre-creating unit by Noyu Ueda (writer/director) and Elly Katayama (composer/actor), based in Tokyo and London. They create a theatre piece that questions our daily lives, that forces us to be "normal" or "right," and suggests a choice to adopt a different point of view.
They start creating music at an early stage of writing. This process allows music and story to influence each other, enabling the final piece to have a sense of unity and worldview that only a script, direction, and music co-production can provide.
QD Dialogue with the Two:
①【QD Chat】Changing “Normal,” “Common Sense,” and “The Correct Answer.” The Two Who Chose Musical Theatre as the Form of Expression
②【QD Chat】Celebrating 2 Years! Our Journey and Outlook as We Explore the Essence of Creation
History
Winter, 2017
Noyu and Elly met at a student-run musical theatre group while they were studying at International Christian University in Tokyo.
February, 2018
Sung-through musical: Pause/Pose. Story and Directed by Noyu Ueda, Lyrics by Chiyo Senmura, Composed by Elly Katayama
2020
Created Musical: The WALL. Book and Lyrics by Noyu Ueda, Lyrics and Music by Elly Katayama. The Performance was cancelled due to COVID-19.
May, 2023
They co-founded Theatre Unit QD.
October, 2023
Pause/Pose: an original musical. Written and Directed by Noyu Ueda, Lyrics by Chiyo Senmura, Lyrics and Music by Elly Katayama
- Atelier Dai Q Geijutsu
- Staged Reading
June, 2024
Musical: The WALL. Book, Lyrics, and Directed by Noyu Ueda, Lyrics and Music by Elly Katayama.
- Asagaya Theatre Shine
January-February, 2025
APOC Theatre Solo Performance Festival "APOFES2025"
Musical: Bacon Wonderland.
Book, Lyrics, and Directed by Noyu Ueda, Music, Lyrics, and Performed by Elly Katayama.
Coming Up
7-8 March 2026
Musical: Y (Workshop)
Book, Lyrics, and Directed by Noyu Ueda, Music, Lyrics, and Performed by Elly Katayama.
- Performing Gallery & Cafe Esorabako
- Staged Reading
MEMBERS
Noyu Ueda
Writer/Director
Raised in Hokkaido, Japan, currently resides in London, UK. Started writing and directing plays and musicals in their underglad at the International Christian University in Tokyo. Works as an assistant director, illustrator, and translator as well. A kabuki lover.
MFA candidate: Writing for Theatre, Film, Radio and Television at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Musicals include: Bacon Wonderland (2025/writer, lyricist, director), The WALL (2024/writer, lyricist, director), Pause/Pose (2023/writer, lyricist, director, other), Byakuroza Yume Angya (2019/writer, director)
Other Credits include: UNSAY (2025/Bank Street Theater/dramaturg, writer, co-dir, deviser), The Hole Story: A Docu-Cabaret (2025/The Tank/assistant dir), SpaceBridge (2025/La Mama Experimental Theatre Club/props artist, Asatte no Houkou #3 - Red Eye/Long Rows of Grave Stones (2024/Za Koenjii/assistant director), Kichijo GORILLA - Sorry I Kept You Waiting (2023/The Tank/assistant dir).
Elly Katayama
Composer/Actor
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. Works as an actor, plus-size model, and composer after graduating from the International Christian University. Started performing in theatres and composing during her undergraduate studies. Composes from musicals to theatre accompaniment and piano pieces. Loves musicals. (she/her)
Musicals include: Shimi- Chloé (2026/composer, music director, accompanist), Bacon Wonderland (2025/composer, lyricist, performer), The WALL (2024/composer, lyricist, performer), Pause/Pose (2023/composer, lyricist, keyboard),
Accompaniments include: Reincarnation ∞ Paradise Diver(2024/composer, actor), Will of the God (2022/composer)
Photo: Mac Anthony