Dissapearance

The moment I heard that this play was going to be put on with different languages, I was interested in how it was going to work out.  So, I went to the first performance today that was in English, Japanese, and French. 

The brief description of the setting immediately caught my eye as it said there was not a clear era or country in which the story took place.  This interest only increased as the play began with a chorus, or Jiutai, sang a holiday song.  The atmosphere and rendition of the play resembled aspects of the traditional Japanese theatre, NOH, yet had a modern feel to it.  They had a set space that was marked by wooden boxes which were also used by the actors.  Before entering this rectangular space, all of the actors made sure to take off their shoes.  Another example was the Jiutai Leader who was sitting in the traditional position on his knees along with the others on stage.  The play itself was told through a sort of storytelling which was much more interesting for the audience.  My attention was on the actors at all times.

Overall the play successfully combined traditional elements of Noh theatre with modern elements.  This surprisingly did not clash at all, but created a smooth and flowing play.  Thanks to the theatre class, I was able to watch the play with an open mind and appreciated the characteristics of Asian theatre that were incorporated within the show.