Aoi / Komachi

As part of its Spring 2007 Performing Arts Program, the Japan Society of Boston presents the acclaimed production by the Setagaya Theater of Tokyo of Aoi / Komachi, two modern Noh plays by Takeshi Kawamura. In these two one-act contemporary dramas, Kawamura turned for inspiration to the classic Noh texts of the 15th century playwright Ze’ami.

In his reinterpretation of two classic masterpieces about the savage aspects of love,
Kawamura sets the dramas in contemporary Tokyo.
Aoi is based on Aoi no Ue, which itself was inspired by the 11th-century novel Tale of the Genji. Kawamura sets the action in the hair salon of a celebrity hair stylist whose former lover haunts his new client in a vicious cycle of twisted love and passionate
jealousy.

Komachi, Kawamura’s modern rendition of the poetic Noh play Sotoba Komachi, weaves
a tale of a down-and-out film maker’s mysterious journey into the dark past of an iconic film diva.

The productions feature spectacular video projections and superb performances by two stars of the contemporary Japanese stage: former Takarazuka and award-winning actress Rei Asami and legendary butoh artist Akira Kasai.

The production of Aoi / Komachi was originally produced by and premiered at the Setagaya Public Theater and Kyoto Performing Arts Center, Kyoto University of Art and Design.

Buy Tickets in Person:

Calderwood Pavilion
527 Tremont St., Boston

Boston University Theatre
264 Huntington Ave., Boston