Hi Izuru Tokoro no Tenshi at Nagoya Noh Theater
It was a day with a typhoon.
There were reports of event cancellations across the country, which made me anxious.
The Nagoya Noh Theater has a regular exhibition room that you can enter for free. It covered the history of Noh from Zeami, the warlords, and how difficult it was after the Noh theaters in Japan burned down during the war.
There was an exhibition for a Noh mask competition with about 120 applicants, and I thought it was quite low and maybe I should apply. (I did not apply.)
I had only ever seen short Kyogen plays a few times, so I was worried about whether I would be able to enjoy it.
I put my backpack in a free coin locker (I'm grateful for the returnable type).
I was sleep-deprived, so I drank a caffeinated beverage.
I lined up in two rows until the doors opened. I eavesdropped on the fan talk of people I didn't know.
Even people without tickets could buy pamphlets at the entrance.
When the doors opened, the line flowed directly into the merchandise area, and I bought acrylic stands and other items.
The acrylic stand of Umayado with a peacock was sexy.
There were also coin lockers inside the venue.
There was a press conference board, so I played around pretending to be at a press conference.
It was mostly women, and many of the men were there with their wives.
Some people were wearing T-shirts, while others were in kimonos or outfits that looked like they were for a wedding after-party.
Someone brought in a drink from McDonald's, which I found a bit off-putting.
First half: 60 minutes
The music started, and the pace was so slow that I worried if I could enjoy it, given my life of constant dopamine hits.
The 'Iyo!' shouts were incredibly skillful.
The projection was of the universe.
Everyone facing east at the 'Hi Izuru' (Sun Rising) part looked cool. (They were probably actually facing east.)
Umayado's lines were the same as in the manga, but I was moved to hear them delivered in that specific way.
'Emishi~~~' 'It is a special one.'
The bow and arrow scene using a folding fan was amazing and also funny.
'Nei! Torurururu'
'Don't hit me! *Whoosh*' 'I hit you~' 'Bullseye~'
Soga no Umako (Yukio Ishida) is truly cute.
Hatsusebe no Okimi (Ippei Shigeyama) is way too free-spirited.
The rain-praying projection! Clapping hands! A kiss! The universe! Four hands! Souls! Thunder! Iyo-----!
The excitement was incredible.
It's rain! It's rain! It's rain!
The wild musical ensemble!
Fuhahaha, so that was the reason, Emishi... I won't let you!
Intermission: 20 minutes
I'm hungry...
There were people eating rice balls outside.
The second half, 60 minutes.
Prince Kume (Atsuo Kanze) is cute.
"Why is that?" "I don't really understand, but..." "I want to play with my older brother." His skipping was very good.
In contrast, his mother, Anahobe no Hashihito no Himemiko (Bunzo Otsuki), was terrifying; the lighting cast shadows on the venue, making it look like a curse.
It was Noh.
Tojiko no Iratsume (Yuichi Otsuki) has such cute clothes and hair. The way she smells the letter is also cute. She throws the letter away with such force...
Emishi (Tomonori Fukuou) is so energetic when called "Mukawanto" by Futsuhime (Hikaru Uzawa).
I cried when they kissed in the shadow play. It was all so pitiful... For Tojiko, it was a fleeting moment of happiness in her life. The plot moves quickly, so he is soon despised by Emishi, and the "Brotherrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" is pure despair.
Projection of fire.
The projection of blood was shocking. Moreover, the way it turned into Umayado's tears and headed toward the end was sad.
In the second half, it felt like many of the lines were used exactly as they were in the manga.
I could watch Mansai Nomura's acting and delivery forever.
Umayado's sudden, low voice, as if cursing someone: "You do not love me..."
Umayado trying to accept his loneliness: "Because that's how it has always been!" "Ugh..."
Projection of a crumbling heart.
The five people lined up diagonally gave me goosebumps.
Everything is in vain, yet I will go on living.
Blue sky.
It reminded me of the feeling I had after reading Hi Izuru Tokoro no Tenshi.
An indescribable emotion. What should have been done?
The props and costumes are amazing. I can't believe I got to see the Seven-Branched Sword!
Umayado's costume changes were beautiful. I wanted to see more.
It was truly a luxurious time.
I wonder how the musicians memorize all of that.
I mean, the Noh theater only holds about 600 people, so I couldn't help but think, is it really okay that something this amazing only costs a little over 10,000 yen?
There was a script in the pamphlet, but I was surprised that the content was completely different. I'd love to see the initial draft version!
The annotations are interesting and I'm grateful for them.