Tears, Exhaustion, and Emotion... Keiko Toda's Account of the Grueling "Wuthering Heights" Production

Keiko Toda | Tears, Exhaustion, and Emotion...

My Journey Through the Grueling Stage Play 'Wuthering Heights' (Part 1)

I, who have an aversion to grand productions,2015: A Year of Challengesdecided to take on 'Wuthering Heights.' And the stage was none other than the legendary Nissay Theatre. This is where I once watched my idol, Chieko Shiomi, in concert. It was in this deeply memorable venue that I spent nearly two months, running through it without looking aside. I want to share my account of those two months, filled with tears, exhaustion, and emotion.

Text by TODA Keiko

Days of "Quiet Time" During Rehearsals and Performances

The stage play 'Wuthering Heights' was a demanding production, unlike any I'd done in a while. I've always found literary works difficult, or rather, I've felt they weren't suited for me, and have avoided them until now.

But, what possessed me (laughs), I decided to give it a try. I knew of Maki Horikita's inner strength as Catherine, with whom I had worked on a drama series. Koji Yamamoto, playing Heathcliff, is an old friend, and I love his acting. Director G2's passion for 'Wuthering Heights.' And the longed-for Nissay Theatre. My long-held 'literary aversion' was dispelled by these factors.

The role I was given, Nelly, also served as the narrator, and I had many entrances and a lot of lines. I was in the rehearsal room longer than any other cast member, so I truly needed stamina. That's because memory for lines and concentration are all encompassed within physical strength.

I arrived at rehearsals earlier than anyone else, did my warm-ups, stayed until the very end each day, and then went straight home. I didn't go out even when invited for drinks. This might be a first in my life (laughs). I really needed stamina, and above all, to avoid injury, collapse, or causing trouble, I spent each day in "quiet time." I think I was that desperate.

After only about two days of script readings, we moved to blocking rehearsals. It took an incredibly long time to get used to the difficult dialogue. Honestly, even after opening night, there were things I still didn't quite understand... It was difficult and troublesome (laughs).

While it wasn't a musical, the dramatic music was quite substantial. As I had many narration parts, I often spoke while listening to the music, timing my actions precisely. It was like a musical. In the theatre, we used several lifts (※), which was also challenging. There were no lifts in the rehearsal room, so it was all imagination. The experience of using the lifts once we were in the theatre was tough. It was dangerous, and it took time to grasp the perfect timing.

After about a month of intense rehearsals, we opened on May 6th. Difficult lines, heavy costumes, dangerous stage machinery, and numerous performances. Even during the run, it was "quiet time." I just faced it head-on. Well, perhaps that's the natural way to be, but I had absolutely no room to spare. I don't say this lightly, but I worked hard (laughs).

I was surprised that acquaintances, friends, and audience members enjoyed it far beyond my expectations. It seems everyone liked this dramatic, otherworldly realm of 'Wuthering Heights.' They told me, "It's interesting!" I was overjoyed. In my role as narrator, I was constantly concerned that the audience wouldn't disengage, thinking, "Oh, she's narrating again," or fall asleep. I wanted my narration to have dynamism. And I wanted to transition smoothly between the character of Nelly and the narration, without hesitation.

It was a stage that required twice the usual mental effort, and I was exhausted (laughs). But every day brought its own sense of wonder. From the innocent meeting of Catherine and Heathcliff, to their twisted relationship, tragic love, hatred, and pity – Nelly, who witnessed it all from the sidelines, acted as their friend, sister, and mother. I played the role with strictness and kindness. I empathize deeply with the cast.

※Lift: A stage mechanism. A section of the stage is cut out, and from there, actors or props are raised from the fly loft (narraku) or lowered beneath the stage.

The "Hareton's Head Came Off" Incident, Which Gave Me Cold Sweats

Keiko Toda | Tears, Exhaustion, and Emotion...

My Journey Through the Grueling Stage Play 'Wuthering Heights' (Part 2)

The "Hareton's Head Came Off" Incident, Which Gave Me Cold Sweats

Speaking of cherished items, there was the baby Hareton doll. This doll was so incredibly cute, it would steal your soul just holding it.

One day, during the scene where Heathcliff catches the doll thrown from the second floor, its head came off in Koji Yamamoto's arms as he received it. Since it was wrapped in swaddling clothes, it didn't fall out, but the head was definitely detached...

Of course, the audience wouldn't know, but Koji and I exchanged a look. The scene called for him to receive the doll and sing a lullaby while holding it. So, what were we to do?

I was desperate. I tried twice to reattach the head from behind, but it wouldn't fit (sweat). I gave up, held it tightly with my left arm so it absolutely wouldn't fall, and managed to get through the scene. Accidents are common on stage, but a doll's head – a human-like head – coming off was truly unacceptable. It shouldn't happen.

For some reason, during the break, I sprinkled salt on it, saying, "I'm sorry." The next day, it was sadly operated on near the neck and sewn back together. I couldn't help but cry. It made me cherish it even more. Hareton worked hard too.

It was a play where many people died, wasn't it? Earnshaw, Hindley's wife, Hindley, Catherine, Edgar, Linton, Heathcliff... Nelly witnessed it all. In the climax of the play, Nelly listens intently to Heathcliff's long monologue before his death, and I always found myself in tears by the end.

"I cannot express how ardently I desire to see you. To see your face, even for a moment, would be enough to make me sweat blood. But I could not. And ever since, I have been tormented by that unbearable suffering. It's hell! What a strange way to die. To be deceived by false hope, and to slowly, agonizingly die over 18 years!"

Even though it was sad, it was such a powerful line that it always struck me to the core. There wasn't a single day that I didn't shed tears listening to it.

On May 26th, the final performance concluded successfully. A demanding play, a demanding number of performances, with back-to-back double shows. Once it was over, I wanted to completely relax! That's what I thought.