THEATER | Ebizo and Shido Co-star in Roppongi Kabuki, Scripted by Kankuro Kudo, Starting February 3rd (Tues.)

THEATER | Roppongi Kabuki Starring Ichikawa Ebizo and Nakamura Shido, From February 3 (Tue.)

Stage Play "Chikyū Nage Gorō Uchū Aragoto"

The stage play "Chikyū Nage Gorō Uchū Aragoto" features a star-studded cast and production team, including kabuki actors Ichikawa Ebizo and Nakamura Shido, scriptwriter Kankuro Kudo, and director Takashi Miike. It will be performed from February 3 (Tue.) to February 18 (Wed.) at EX THEATER ROPPONGI in Roppongi, Tokyo.

Photograph by LESLIE KEEText by HAMADA Masaru (OPENERS)

Alien Invasion Threatens Edo?

The Edo Shogunate collapses as alien invaders descend. From a spaceship that lands near the Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa, the alien overlord (Nakamura) emerges. Then, a hero of justice (Ichikawa) appears... The story unfolds in the Genroku era, a narrative quite unlike traditional kabuki.

The collaboration began in January 2014 when the two actors, who had co-starred in the full-length play "Kotoboi de Mimase Kagakiyo," felt a shared desire to "build a new era of kabuki together." It was then that Ebizo recalled the words of the late Kanzaburo Nakamura: "The family art of Naritaya (Ichikawa's guild name) is aragoto (rough style). If Ebizo is to perform something new, he should at least be able to throw the Earth."

Scriptwriter Kankuro Kudo is also remembered for his work on the NHK morning drama "Amachan" (2013), which became a social phenomenon. He has past experience writing and directing kabuki. Director Takashi Miike, whose latest film "As the Gods Will" is currently in theaters, is working with kabuki for the first time. Despite the fantastical premise, the direction will meticulously adhere to kabuki conventions, focusing on the human element and what only kabuki actors can achieve. Child actor Kiyoshiro Kato will also make his kabuki debut.

This marks the first kabuki performance at EX THEATER ROPPONGI. How will the Earth be thrown in this production, crafted by these four unique individuals? We invite you to witness it for yourself.

Roppongi Kabuki: Chikyū Nage Gorō Uchū Aragoto
Dates | February 3 (Tue.) - February 18 (Wed.)
Times | 12:00, 13:00, 16:30, 18:00 (Varies by day)
Venue | EX THEATER ROPPONGI
1-2-9 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Prices | S Seats ¥14,000, A Seats ¥11,000 (All seats reserved)

Inquiries

Roppongi Kabuki Ticket Dial

03-5772-3220 (Weekdays 10:00 - 18:00)

http://www.roppongikabuki.com/