Cinema Kabuki in Vancouver
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February 19th, 2017
Cost: $20Details »
CINEMA KABUKI
In high definition on the big screen, direct from Japan
Subtitled in English
Kabuki Theatre, with origins dating back to the 1600s, has remained steeped in tradition while constantly innovating itself. Live productions, featuring some of today’s greatest Kabuki stars, are now being filmed with the highest resolution cameras for screening in cinemas around the world on state-of-the-art digital projection systems and six-channel sound.
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presented by The Japan Foundation in association with the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver
CINEMA KABUKI
Sunday, February 19, 2017
11:55 am Kumagai’s Camp
2:30 pm Three Thieves Named Kichisa
Advance tickets available through Eventbrite. For Kumagai tickets click here, Three Thieves tickets here
Tickets also available on the day of the screening at the theatre.
KUMAGAI’s CAMP (a samurai tragedy)
Kumagai Jin’ya 熊谷陣屋 : 一谷嫩軍記 いちのたに ふたば ぐんき
Premiered in 1751 as a puppet theatre play
Written by Namiki Sosuke
Recorded live at Kabuki-za Theatre, Tokyo, 2010
104 min.
Subtitled in English
For trailer please click here: For synopsis and more background click here.
A samurai hero struggles on the battlefield. But on his day of triumph, Kumagai, one of the commanding officers, suffers in agony trying to fulfill his duty and devotion to his lord Yoshitsune. This play was originally written for the puppet theatre and through its formal structure achieves the passion and solemnity of classic drama. A powerful warrior is transformed from a statuesque figure to a pure victim of the inhumanity of war. The decisions which will be made will change lives. This character development is depicted stylistically through the sung narration of Gidayu music. Three Living National Treasures—Kichiemon, Tomijuro, and Tojuro—create a splendid tableau of historical grandeur.
THREE THIEVES NAMES KICHISA (an urban outlaw story)
San’nin Kichisa 三人吉三 : 三人吉三廓初買 さんにんきちさくるわのはつかい
Premiered in 1860
Written by Kawatake Mokuami
Directed for the stage and Cinema Kabuki by Kushida Kazuyoshi
Recorded live at Theater Cocoon, Shibuya, Tokyo, 2014
136 min.
Subtitled in English
For trailer please click here: For synopsis and more background click here.
Early 19th-century Edo (the former name of Tokyo) had juvenile delinquents and outlaws everywhere. Urban culture was overripe. Three thieves happen to meet on a dark New Year’s night. They feel compassion for each other instantly and vow brotherhood. But they do not know that this encounter is only one milestone of their fate. Long before the three meet, their lives have already been entangled. An intricate web of destiny eventually drives them to their deaths. Kankuro, Shichinosuke, and Matsuya are three of the most promising young Kabuki actors. This classic play is given new life by these young talents in an unconventional production by Kushida at a contemporary venue, Theater Cocoon, located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, known as the Street of Youth.
