Hamlet
This 2007 production of Hamlet directed by Yoshihiro Kurita relies on elements of traditional noh theatre, bunraku, and the epic story-telling tradition of Japan to re-imagine Shakespeare’s play. The Hamlet character remains seated at the front of the stage throughout the performance while delivering his lines, as the other characters move behind him like figures from a memory or dream.
28/11/07-1/12/07 – Ryutopia Noh Theatre, Niigata, Japan and 7/12/07-9/12/07 – Tessenkai Noh Theatre, Tokyo, Japan
Performers: Hamlet: Kohchi Hirokazu, Claudius: Tanida Ayumi, Gertrude: Yamaga Haruyo, Ophelia: Machiya Misaki, Laertes: Nakaide Ken, Ghost of Hamlet, the late King of Denmark: Arai Kazuma, Horatio: Minami Takuya, Rosencranz: Murakami Hiroyasu, Guildenstern: Nawa Wakako, Polonius/ Gravedigger: Kurita Yoshihiro, Tsukaima: Nagatomi Chiaki, Ohyama Maeko, Isono Tomoyo, Joruri: Tsurusawa Asazo, and Piano Player: Yokoyama Michiko
Translator / Scriptwriter: Matsuoka Kazuko
Producer: Production Adviser: Sasabe Hiroshi (Ryutopia Theatre section Artistic Director) and Executive Producer: Suzuki Eiko (Ryutopia Manager)
Designers: Choreography of Dolls (for Tsukaima): Tamaki Akihisa, Lighting Designer: Harayama Mikihiro (Ryutopia), Costume Designer: Tokihiro Shingo (Lyric Ltd.), Make-up: Satoh Kei, Prop Designer: Goto Nobuko, Music: Tsurusawa Asazo, Yokoyama Michiko, Sound: Butoh Tatsuya (Ryutopia), Stage Manager: Shiiya Tadahiro (Ryutopia), and Planning: Hoshino Atsushi (Ryutopia), Ishida Satoru (Ryutopia)