Noriko's WebSite

collaboration between Opera and Kabuki

We went to see matinee opera("Narukami" and "Shunkan") at New National Theatre, Tokyo.

Danjuro(Ichikawa), one of the major Kabuki acotor, does a production of an opera for the first time.

Today's Playback

■　percussions to be used effectively - similarity between percussion and "narimono(noisemaker)" with Kabuki

As I expected, percussions like a xylophone were matched with the play. They were used to be effectively. Moreover, tones of flute was similar to the one of bamboo stick. The orchestra managed to create a magical atmosphere throughout the play for "Narukami".

As to "Shunkan", the story was changed from original "Kabuki". It was closed to "Noh". The main subject of "Shunkan" is deep loneliness and pessimism.
And the orchestra played like exisiting one while the play at "Narukami" was closed to original Kabuki's Geza music.

(*) "Geza" :The slatted musicians room, at the far left of the stage, in which is performed the various types of background music heard during Kabuki plays. Other sound effects are also provided　(bells, gongs, drums, bird noise, etc).

■　Essense of Kabuki - Kumadori, Bukkaeri, Kuroko

At "Narukami", the player of Narukamishonin made an typical Kabuki make named "Kumadori". "Kumadori" shows the emotional change. "Bukkaeri" is one of the scenic effects, "Hikinuki" in Kabuki. Pulled out basting thread in Kimono, the costume changed at once. It means the change of the nature. "Kuroko" means a man accustomed to remaining in the background. This is also typical role in Kabuki. "Kuroko" played an important role in today's opera.

■　lack of punch at the last scene

"Narukami" is one of the specialty play of Ichikawa family. "Nirami" should be at original Kabuki. Off course, there was no "Nirami" at today's opera. I really felt "Nirami" to brace the atmospher effectively at the play.

■　supertitle

As there were supertitles at the both sides of stage, we could understand lyrics to the opera singers.

■　a dominating presence - Yukiko Hanai

At the interval, I found a madam who has a dominating presence. I wonder if I had met her ... She appeared at curtain call.　She was Ms. Yukiko Hanai, a famous fassion designer and stylists of today's opera.

I had met her in Paris when I worked at trading company. She looked to acquire an air of distinction.

■　Danjyuro appeared at curtain call

After the act of "Shunkan", Danjyuro(Ichikawa) also appeared at curtain call. He is likely to be at the theatre during 3days play.

It was first time for me to see the collaboration plays between Opera and Kabuki. That was somehow exciting but not beyond my expectation. It may be due to the similarity between them.

Posted by noriko at January 31, 2004 11:53 PM | Trackback