All of the story and most of the original language are present, although John R. Briggs' adaptation throws in generous amounts of Japanese references that prove only occasionally jarring. (A handy glossary of words and place names is provided in the program.)
The three witches have thus become three "yojos," whose incantations are delivered in kabuki-like fashion. And when Shogun Macbeth (Kaipo Schwab) sends his assassins to murder Banquo (Ariel Estrada), they are, of course, samurai warriors.
Pretty cool. More info at the original article. Also, info on the theater/production group here.
[via One Big Japan]
You've never seen the Kurosawa film Throne of Blood? It's a samurai-setting based on Macbeth.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of the movie, as it turns out. I've even heard of Kurosawa. ;)
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be quite a different affair. First off, its a play, in English, with kabuki stylings...
I didn't realize it was in English. I wonder if it appeals to more people these days with a Japanese flavor.
ReplyDeleteI've always been around Shakespearean theater since I was a young lad - My aunt is a make-up and costume designer (now teaching at Berkley theater), and I used to stay with her during the summers when they put on Summer Shakespeare plays out door up in Northern California. I've always liked fresh ideas incorporated into Shakespeare plays, and although it wasn't necessarily a huge success, I really like the 1996 Romeo + Juliet film with Leonardo DiCaprio that takes place in Venice Beach, California. (Think someone will use the same setting for a remake of the Merchant of Venice, too?)