THEATER｜Hiroshi Sugimoto directs "Sugimoto Bunraku: Sonezaki Shinju, The Ecstasy of the Goddess"

THEATER | Bunraku Puppet Theater Captivates Europe on Its Return

Hiroshi Sugimoto's "Sonezaki Shinju: Kanon Meguri"

The Bunraku puppet play "Sonezaki Shinju: Kanon Meguri" (Sonezaki Shinju, with Kanon Meguri), directed by Hiroshi Sugimoto, will be performed at Setagaya Public Theatre from March 20 (Thu) to 23 (Sun), and at Festival Hall in Osaka from March 28 (Fri) to 30 (Sun).

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Tabaimo's Video Art Featured in "Kanon Meguri"

This production of "Sonezaki Shinju: Kanon Meguri," first staged in 2011 at the Kanagawa Arts Theatre, is the work of Hiroshi Sugimoto, a contemporary artist, architect, and collector of ancient art with a deep appreciation for Japan's classical culture, who handled the composition, direction, and set design. Following its tour of Madrid, Rome, and Paris from September to October 2013, where it played to sold-out houses and garnered significant attention, this Bunraku performance returns to Japan for stagings in Tokyo and Osaka.

A key feature of "Sonezaki Shinju: Kanon Meguri" is its faithful adaptation of Chikamatsu Monzaemon's original "Sonezaki Shinju." While the "Kanon Meguri" prologue is typically omitted in contemporary Bunraku performances due to staging constraints, Sugimoto's version revives it.

Further elaborating on its unique approach, the production incorporates meticulous details. The music is composed by Living National Treasure Seiji Tsurusawa, and for the "Kanon Meguri" section, to evoke the Bunraku of the Edo period, Kanjuro Kiritake manipulates a single-puppeteer doll, specially created for this production, rather than the usual three.

During the European tour, video art by contemporary artist Tabaimo was also newly incorporated into the "Kanon Meguri" segment. This marks the first opportunity for audiences in Japan to witness this highly acclaimed production.

The beauty of Japan that captivated Europe. Evolving with each performance, "Sonezaki Shinju: Kanon Meguri" offers a profound exploration of classical art, brought to life through Hiroshi Sugimoto's vision.

"Sonezaki Shinju: Kanon Meguri"

Tokyo Performances

Dates and Times | March 20 (Thu) 7:00 PM

March 21 (Fri) 1:00 PM

March 22 (Sat) 1:00 PM / 6:00 PM

March 23 (Sun) 1:00 PM

Venue | Setagaya Public Theatre

4-4-1 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Tel. 03-5432-1526

Ticket Sales Start | January 26 (Sun)

Prices | A-Seat ¥9,000, B-Seat ¥6,000

Osaka Performances

Dates and Times | March 28 (Fri) 7:00 PM

March 29 (Sat) 1:00 PM

March 30 (Sun) 1:00 PM

Venue | Festival Hall

2-3-18 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka

Tel. 06-6231-2221

Ticket Sales Start | February 1 (Sat)

Prices | S-Seat ¥9,000, A-Seat ¥7,000, B-Seat ¥4,000, BOX Seat ¥12,000

http://sugimoto-bunraku.com