Days Spent Rehearsing for the Stage Play "Yuko Kutsukake Tokijiro" | Keiko Toda

Keiko Toda | What Happened the Day Before Opening Night

Days Spent Rehearsing for the Stage Play "Yuko Kutsukake Tokijiro"

Summer vacation ended, and we immediately dove into stage rehearsals. While I was enjoying the days of practice, an unexpected situation arose. This was the beginning of a long, long road to the final performance.

Text by KEIKO TODA

Theater Rehearsals Marred by Turmoil

Just four days after returning from New York, on July 14th, we began rehearsals for the stage play "Yuko Kutsukake Tokijiro." Amidst sweltering hot days, the rehearsals progressed with intense passion and at a tremendous pace.

My role this time was Tsutako Hasegawa, the wife of the troupe leader of the popular theater group, the Hasegawa Danjuro Troupe. The script, one might call it a male-dominated play, or perhaps for actresses, a supporting role... The male actors had sword fights and dealt with matters of honor; just watching the rehearsals was incredibly fun. More than that, I was envious. If only I were a man. (laughs)

The troupe was performing the play "Kutsukake Tokijiro," which meant it was a play within a play. Period dramas are enjoyable for their stylized movements, and with the added flavor of popular theater, it was even more delightful. The oldest member of the cast was Kikuo Kanauchi, 83 years old. Backstage, I helped Mr. Kanauchi when he ascended the stairs. The youngest was Minori Hagiwara, 19 years old, making her stage debut. The actual troupe was truly fascinating.

I answered all of Minori's questions, was captivated by the acting of Yasunori Danda, whom I had long respected, discussed the nuances of the play with Kosuke Suzuki, a co-star I hadn't seen in a while, brought pickles as requested by Shu Watanabe (who had asked for them during the filming of the drama "Last Doctor"), and shared conversations about acting with Mari Nishio, whom I was working with for the first time.

My greatest joy was co-starring with my comrade-in-arms, Kazuyuki Asano. I had previously appeared in two plays where Mr. Asano stepped in as a replacement. In the rehearsal room, we shared the same table, sitting next to each other. Although we had no direct interaction on stage this time, during our off-hours, we would sit together, share snacks, and chat about everyday life, enjoying ourselves.

page02.Steeling Ourselves for the Second Half

Days Spent Rehearsing for the Stage Play "Yuko Kutsukake Tokijiro" (Part 2)

Steeling Ourselves for the Second Half

Under the direction of Shugo Jyuuji, rehearsals proceeded very smoothly. We ran through the play multiple times in the rehearsal space, and then it was time for stage rehearsals at the theater!

On August 26th, the day before opening night, during the technical rehearsal, what a shock! Kazuyuki Asano had to withdraw due to illness. It was an event so unexpected that everyone was stunned, almost losing their footing. Our minds went blank! While we were in a daze, the director, Shugo Jyuuji, who is also an actor, suddenly stepped in to play Asano's role, "Meisui Hirooka."

"Honestly, I'm in a panic," Jyuuji told us when he gathered everyone. It was understandable... But the show must go on!! We had to perform.

Opening day was tomorrow. We canceled that day's technical rehearsal and practiced Jyuuji's lines together. Minori Hagiwara, on her stage debut, was crying in her dressing room, likely overwhelmed by surprise, anxiety, and a mix of emotions. But once on stage, she performed with confidence! We united to overcome this difficult situation, without fuss, simply working diligently and silently.

It was a bolt from the blue for Jyuuji!! How many brain cells must have been activated to memorize the lines!? On August 27th, the curtain rose on opening night! With the director suddenly becoming an actor, we performed without an actual director, meaning we continued the show without receiving any notes. Mr. Asano also took time off until the final performance as a precaution, and due to Jyuuji's schedule, a successor was found for the role of "Meisui Hirooka": Kazuyuki Matsuzawa. He performed in the latter half of the long run.

Of course, we rehearsed with Mr. Matsuzawa during the performances as well. We had a technical rehearsal with his version, and finally, the director, Jyuuji, was able to watch our play. Receiving new notes, we felt a renewed sense of determination for the second half. It was a rare experience to have the role of "Meisui Hirooka" played by three different actors across a single production.

We somehow managed to get through the long run until the final performance on October 2nd, and felt a sense of relief I hadn't experienced in a while. I had been on edge, making sure not to fall ill myself, and had been working non-stop from rehearsals through the performances, so it was truly a period of extreme frugality.

Looking back, the latter half of this long run was all about steady, consistent effort. It's amazing what one can accomplish. (laughs) When the final performance is a matinee, it's over in a flash. We had our wrap party the night before, finished packing up quickly, and were home by evening. Well done, everyone. I truly hope I can co-star with Kazuyuki Asano again. Ah, and when he's fully recovered, he's promised to treat me to sushi. (laughs)

CASUAL LIVE 16 ~Kiyo-chan and Go-kun Too~
Date | Friday, December 9th
Time | (1st) 5:00 PM - (2nd) 8:15 PM
Venue | Shibuya JZ Brat
2F, Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo