A Stage Where Six People Express Themselves Through Their Bodies

There are virtually no lines. The performers are six men and women, including Harada and Shuto. It's billed as 'physical theater.' This coined term, like the previous work 'The Man Who Fell into the Void,' seems to be a declaration of intent to present a world that cannot be seen anywhere else.

'My body feels different now; it's become more tense, more attuned. The promotional poster features animals in repose collaged around us, but wild animals, even when relaxed, can instantly switch to a state of readiness, can't they? Humans don't have that. I think Mr. Onodera created this poster with that in mind. I hope to embody that kind of animalistic physicality, even just a little, through this performance.'



Except for Harada, all six performers are dancers, but they come from different backgrounds, including ballet and contemporary dance. At times, these six create a unique sense of presence, exuding a crystalline beauty like living statues, while at other times, they shift the atmosphere of the space by expressing their individual emotions through their bodies, even eliciting laughter.



We asked about Harada's role in 'Silencio.'

'A certain woman... (laughs). It's a story about men and women, but it's not simply a story about Shuto and me... If I had to say, it's like how any person has many facets, and those multifaceted aspects weave the narrative.'

A Story Created Through Ideas and Movement

Harada saw the previous production, 'The Man Who Fell into the Void,' as an audience member. The profound impression it left on her led to her involvement in 'Silencio.'





'It was so impactful, I thought, 'What is this?!' (laughs). I was amazed that such an expression existed, and I ended up going to see it again. I hadn't done much stage work before, but at that moment, I simply wanted to be a part of it. I never imagined it would actually happen.'

Shuto and Harada's husband are old acquaintances. Through this connection, Harada subtly inquired about the new project, which led to an offer to perform, which she readily accepted. Based on this, Onodera began to develop the concept for the work from scratch.

'However, this piece has no script. So, instead of memorizing lines and rehearsing, it felt like a collaborative process where we create it together as we move. We brainstorm ideas in response to Mr. Onodera's concepts, and he incorporates them. Each scene is carefully crafted, and then these numerous scenes are assembled like puzzle pieces to form the complete work.'

'Every scene requires a lot of expression through the body, so naturally, extensive practice is necessary. But it's not enough for the body to just remember; the mind must also be engaged. There are many things that can only be expressed by paying close attention to the smallest details. So, it feels like I'm using every part of myself that I can control (laughs). If all six of us don't give our absolute all, it won't be enough, and we're constantly stretched to our limits (laughs). But it's truly enjoyable to be a part of a team where everyone takes responsibility and does their best. Mr. Onodera really brings out the best in each of us.'

The rehearsal days were physically demanding, but Harada spoke about them with joy rather than exhaustion.



'I've thought about this feeling, and a band seems like the closest analogy. I'm involved in pupa (a band including Yukihiro Takahashi and Hiroshi Takano), and in that band, too, members with different musical careers and backgrounds come together, and they all contribute ideas to create an album. There's a joy in creating work that way. Mr. Onodera's direction feels very similar to that.'

'However, the amount of practice is incomparable to a band (laughs)... It takes eight hours to create a scene that's only about two minutes long. During that time, everyone concentrates intensely and repeats the movements with only very short breaks. Then, what we've created might be changed again the next day. We listen carefully to Mr. Onodera's words and focus all our energy on how we can respond to them. I've never experienced a set like this before, so it was refreshing, and I believe what I gain here will definitely have a positive impact on my future work as an actress and singer.'

Her Presence as a Performer Deepens Through Various Activities

Last year, Harada celebrated her 30th anniversary since her debut. Beyond her work as an actress and singer, she has also taken on challenges like 'on-doc.,' a project where she travels across the country performing readings and songs. She is expanding her range as a performer.

'My current position is the result of having good encounters at the right times. Things that naturally emerged within me have taken shape through meeting others. With 'on-doc.,' I felt I had accomplished quite a bit in my work as an actress and musician over the five years leading up to my 30th anniversary, so I decided to slow down a bit and take things at a more relaxed pace. That's when I started this project, among other things.'

'Instead of having something mediate, I wanted to get as close as possible to the people who have supported me, to sing and express myself. Perhaps it's because I went through that period of activity that I found a sense of calm. The offer for 'Silencio' came at that time. I probably couldn't have taken it on if it had come a few years earlier, but now I have the courage to step into the almost unknown world of the stage. I think it really was the right timing. Mr. Onodera offers many suggestions and draws out new aspects of myself. For me, 'Silencio' is both a challenge and a time for learning, so the muscle pain doesn't bother me (laughs).'

A new side of Harada, one never seen before, will blossom in 'Silencio.'



Tomoyo Harada
Made her film debut in 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' (1983). Recent works include the NHK morning drama 'Hidamari' (2011), the film 'Shiawase no Pan' (2012), and 'Pekoro's Mother Meets Her Son' (scheduled for nationwide release in November 2013). As a singer, she has consistently released albums since her debut. To commemorate her 30th anniversary last year, she has been holding her 'on-doc.' event, a combination of singing and readings, across the country. With her innocent presence and clear aura, she is beloved by all generations.

'Silencio'
Script & Direction: Shuji Onodera
Starring: Tomoyo Harada, Akiko Kajiwara, Ron Kawai, Momoko Fujita, Shuji Onodera, Yasuyuki Shuto



Official Website
http://www.nevula.co.jp/silenzio/