The Women's Theatre of Takarazuka
1990; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 34; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês
10.2307/1146045
ISSN1531-4715
Autores Tópico(s)Theatre and Performance Studies
ResumoScores of dancers in colorful kimonos weave patterns on a huge stage, recalling the lavish spectacle of Busby Berkeley musicals. But when they glide off, the lights dim to reveal another mood, another century. A Heian period courtier in gorgeous robes postures to the strains of lush orchestral music that alternates with noh chant. Several set changes later, the tempo picks up as an ensemble of shamisen, three-stringed Japanese lutes, twangs a lively accompaniment for an Edo period festival scene done in kabuki style. The hero of the scene, a stylish man-about-town who flirts with two courtesans at once, is played by a woman. In fact, all the roles in Odorisanka (Paean to in Song and Dance) and every production of the Kagekidan'-The Revue Company2-are played by women. The 75-year-old, all-women Japanese theatre referred to as Takarazuka takes its name from the hot springs resort town where it is headquartered, about 35 minutes northwest of Osaka by train. In addition to its six-week runs at the 3,ooo-seat Grand Theatre in Takarazuka, and monthlong runs at its 3,ooo-seat theatre in Tokyo, performs all over Japan, and all over the world. What began as a local tourist attraction, a hot springs show, has itself become a big business promoting its own side shows and merchandising-recitals and dinner theatre featuring top stars; fan club tours to Familyland, the amusement park where the theatre is situated; TV broadcasts of performances and other TV appearances for stars; and souvenirs and publications. The company numbers about 400 performers and is divided into four troupesFlower, Moon, Star, and Snow-that take turns performing the repertoire at the Tokyo or theatres, or on tour. Takarazuka's repertoire includes pageants of Japanese song and dance reinterpreted in Westernized arrangements as described above; revues of Western music and dance; melodramatic guran roman (grand roman) short, original plays with music often based on historical events or literary works; and translated Broadway musicals. The theatre presents light comedy, history, fantasy, and tragedy through an aesthetic of opulent spectacle and dreamy romanticism. For students of performance or Japanese culture, the Revue
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