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Life of a Kabuki legend graces the stage in Shanghai
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JAPANESE actor Tatsuya Fujiwara stars in “Nakamura Nakazo,” a drama on the legendary Japanese Kabuki figure, is being staged in Shanghai this month.
Nakamura Nakazo (1736-1790) was a legendary Kabuki actor who was born in Edo and grew up as an orphan. He came to prominence by rejecting the rigorous norms and hierarchies of the Edo-era theater world, introducing male roles in shosagoto dances.
“Japanese Kabuki has many traditions and rules,” said director Ryuta Horai. “This story is about breaking these conventions to present the true essence of human experience to the audience.
“I believe that breaking free from old constraints is a theme that resonates universally and is cherished worldwide.”
According to Horai, “Nakamura Nakazo” poses a big challenge for the performers, as none of the cast members are Kabuki actors.
Many of them have undergone extensive orthodox Kabuki training, with some programs spanning over a year. The training encompasses disciplines such as physical expression, vocal projection, martial arts and traditional musical instruments.
The Shanghai performances will also be actor Fujiwara’s final appearance in this production.
“Depending on oneself rather than one’s origins — this is the line I love most in the play,” said Fujiwara.
“We hope to deliver the best performances for the Shanghai audience. We also hope to have the opportunity to return to Shanghai in the future. By then, we aim to rival the appeal of Studio Ghibli’s animated IPs and secure a theatrical run extending beyond a month,” he said.
Fujiwara is clearly making an implicit comparison with the Japanese stage play “Spirited Away,” which played 45 times at Shanghai Culture Square in July and August, attracting theatergoers from all over the country.
The 10 performances of “Nakamura Nakazo” in Shanghai will be the only stop on the production’s China tour.
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