Theatre entertainment in Tokyo
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A
Shimbashi Embujō Theatre
While Ginza’s storied Kabuki-za Theatre is being rebuilt until 2013, corporate owner Shōchiku will mainly stage the plays at its Embujō Theatre, which also puts on super kabuki, a rocking subgenre that incorporates modern stagecraft. A full performance of traditional kabuki comprises three or four acts (usually from different plays) over an afternoon or an evening (typically 11am to 3.30pm or 4.30pm to 9pm), with long intervals between the acts. If four-plus hours sounds too long, you can usually purchase last-minute tickets for a single act. Since some acts tend to be more popular than others, enquire ahead as to which to catch, and arrive well in advance.
reviewed
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Za Kōenji
Za Kōenji stages Japanese and foreign contemporary plays, dance, music and storytelling events. Designed by Itō Toyō, this architecturally splendid venue in western Tokyo opened in May 2009. It houses three theatres, a literature archive and the very sleek cafe Henri Fabre. A rehearsal hall here is set aside for the neighbourhood’s summer Awa Ōdori dance parade.
reviewed
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B
National Nō Theatre
The National Nō Theatre stages its own nō (classical Japanese musical dramas) performances on weekends only, for which it provides printed English synopses, but it also hosts privately-sponsored performances. Exit Sendagaya Station in the direction of Shinjuku on the left and follow the road that hugs the railway tracks; the theatre will be on the left.
reviewed
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C
Dentsū Shiki Theatre Umi
Located in the Shio-Site complex beside the headquarters of the Dentsū advertising group, Shiki Theatre Sea stages Japanese versions of hit Western works such as Mamma Mia! and Aida. Other Shiki theatres near Takeshiba station on the Yurikamome monorail stage shows such as The Lion King. See the website for details.
reviewed
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Setagaya Public Theatre
The two spaces in this excellent venue, the Public Theatre and Theatre Tram, can seat more than 800. It has achieved popular success based on performances including Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, nō, kyōgen, and a mixture of jazz and comedy shows, some directed at children. It also offers a good mix of foreign contemporary drama.
reviewed
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D
Kingyo
By a cemetery off Roppongi’s main drag, cheeky Kingyo puts on a glitzy, colourful cabaret of transsexual (‘new half’ in Japanese) and drag queen performers who revel in social critique. Look for the yellow sign showing a goldfish (kingyo) kissing a penis.
reviewed
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E
Aoyama Enkei Gekijō
Found within Kodomo-no-Shiro (National Children’s Castle) this midsized round theatre stages musicals, ballet and modern dance. The theatre is lovely; performances tend towards the conservative. Because of the venue’s location, many programs are ideal for kids.
reviewed
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F
Die Pratze
Home to experimental theatre group OM-2, this small space features a variety of genres, from ballet to butō (contemporary dance style) to experimental performance pieces. Die Pratze is northwest of the Imperial Palace, near Kagurazaka Station.
reviewed
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G
Muscle Theatre
Opened in 2007, the popular Muscle Theatre shows campy but exciting performances of acrobatics, dance, juggling acts and gravity-defying jumps and BMX stunts that are part of the Muscle Musical experience.
reviewed
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H
Globe Tokyo Theatre
This modern replica of the famed Globe Theatre in London mainly stages plays by Shakespeare from Japanese troupes as well as foreign companies. From the station, go north along the railway to the Globe.
reviewed
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Suzunari Theatre
A good bit of Japanese would be helpful in getting the gist of these underground theatre pieces. Like most avant-garde theatre, plays here tend towards experimental explorations of contemporary issues.
reviewed
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I
Cerulean Tower Nō Theatre
Performances in Japanese are sometimes held in this traditional theatre (you can also pop by just to admire it between 14:30 and 17:30 daily) in the Cerulean Tower Tōkyū Hotel.
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