First Workshops

The first workshops took place in Hiroshima with a group of around 20 children. Children were trained in interviewing techniques, in order to prepare them for their conversations with the survivors.

Interviewing the Hibakushas

Children from Hiroshima paired in twos and interviewed 15 Hibakushas (A-Bomb survivors) in total. They asked the survivors of their life back then, memories they have, and of their experience after the dropping of the a-bomb.

During this time, interviews were transcribed and translated, with the help of many people.

The start of 'After Hiroshima'

London Bubble started work on the 'After Hiroshima' project, a story of how atomic bombs were viewed by the English and the Americans. People were invited to a launch event where the aims of 'After Hiroshima' was explained, such as to explore the response of the rest of the world to the development and deployment of the atomic bomb. Then, we gathered a wealth of research material which inspired many activities in workshops and gatherings.

Beginning of explorations and discussions

Workshops began with the creative team, the children who had led the way with the interviewing, and the older people who were interested in performing all gathering in Hiroshima. Through a series of workshops, the words and images from the interviews were explored, discussed and slowly developed into fragments of theatre.

Rehearsals begin in Hiroshima

Rehearsals for 'Grandchildren of Hiroshima' started in July and took place most days from 4 until 9pm.

'Grandchildren of Hiroshima' Dispersed

A project where a 'flat-pack' of 'Grandchildren of Hiroshima' with a list of ingredients, props and stuff were sent to any theatre company who were interested in arranging a reading on August 6th, the 70th Anniversary of the dropping of the A-bomb.We made contact with many theatre companies around the world. The objective was to simply share this story with as many people as possible and to become one big community coming together to tell a powerful story.

'Grandchildren of Hiroshima' opens

'Grandchildren of Hiroshima' opened in Hiroshima on August 6th 2015 - the 70th Anniversary of the dropping of the Atomic Bomb on the city.

'Grandchildren of Hiroshma'
Public Reading in 8 countries worldwide

A public reading of the 'Grandchildren of Hiroshima' were done by 10 theatre companies, all with different age groups, settings, and styles. Readings were done in these 8 countries: Australia, Philippines (2 locations), India, Palestine, Japan, UK (2 locations), USA, and South Africa.

Video of the public reading in Palestine (The Mainichi Newspaper)

Rehearsals begin in London

Rehearsals for 'After Hiroshima' started in January 2016 alongside a call-out for singers to join an After Hiroshima choir.

'After Hiroshima' opens

'After Hiroshima' opened on March 3rd 2016 in London.

'Grandchildren of Hiroshima' Performance Continues

Ever since the first performance in 2015, with the support of many people, we have continued to perform the 'Grandchildren of Hiroshima' every year in August, joined by new cast members.

Reading of 'After Hiroshima'

Reading of 'After Hiroshima' was performed for the first time in Hiroshima.

'Grandchildren of Hiroshima' Reading Performance

A reading of the 'Grandchildren of Hiroshima' was performed for the first time. Due to the corona virus pandemic, we were not able to perfom in 2020, but the reading play was performed again in 2021.

'Grandchildren of Hiroshima' once again performed as a play

Since its first performance in 2015, "The Grandchildren of Hiroshima" has been created with new members every August in Hiroshima with the support of many people.