The company was founded by
Kunio Kishida,
Mantarō Kubota and
Bunroku Shishi on September 6, 1937. Its name means "Literature Theatre". On March 25, 1938, the company staged its first public performances with the plays "Magnificent Woman" (
Migoto na Onna), "Peace at Home" (
Wagaya no Heiwa), and "Knock" (
Kunokku). After suffering repression at the hands of the state leading up to and during
World War II, Bungakuza reemerged in the early
postwar period. In the 1950s, many Shingeki theatre troupes were viewed as left-wing or even communist. However, Bungakuza was considered one of the least ideological troupes. Thus many people were surprised when Bungakuza's leaders agreed to stage a tour of
Communist China in 1961. ==Notable members==