Gekite-shi: 479 Still doing 'Akechiko!'
Hi! This is Awane, currently performing in the Gekidan☆Shinkansen production 'Akechiko!' in Tokyo. I'm the Awane who survived the tough schedule of the early stages. Or rather, we all worked together to survive it. It was quite hectic, though. Well, I think it will get a little easier once we get used to the rhythm of the performances.
'Akechiko!' is written by Mitsunori Fukuhara. He is a writer new to Shinkansen, but I have already experienced his work in Tsukikage Bangai-chi'Tsunzaki Koro, Sareru ga Mama', and I have also worked with him on productions like 'Iyaou Nashi ni', which also starred Arata Furuta.
I love Fukuhara's work, and it's interesting how it starts with a seemingly normal, everyday setting and then snowballs into unexpected developments and an unforeseen conclusion with such momentum. In this 'Akechiko!' as well, strange people appear one after another, and the story rushes toward the finale with outrageous developments.
That said, it's not exactly difficult to understand. Well, sure, there are mysterious scenes and strange developments, but there's no need to overthink it. You are free to take it as it is. I leave it to your own sensibilities. But it's crafted in an entertaining way, so please enjoy it.
In the synopses and interviews released beforehand, keywords like 'a mystery starring a detective,' 'modernism set in the Taisho era,' and 'steampunk' were flying around, but now that it's finished, it doesn't really feel like that, and it has become a rather delightful piece. It's true that a detective appears, but solving mysteries isn't the theme, and while it's set in the Taisho era and steam engines appear, they are just part of the historical background, and there is even a strange sense of exhilaration at the end.
It's sort of like a strange tale like a bizarre dream you have on a sweltering summer night. Please enjoy it at your leisure.
Because of that, there's no way to prepare by studying the historical background or the worldview. I don't really have anything special to tell you either. However, 'coal,' which is essential to steampunk, was an important energy source that supported Japan's modernization. Therefore, from the Meiji era through the Taisho and early Showa eras, coal was sometimes called 'black diamonds', and I would appreciate it if you could just keep that in the back of your mind.
Also, it rained today, and since it's the rainy season, I think there will be more rainy days. EX THEATER ARIAKE is quite a distance from the nearest station, and there are few places to avoid the rain, so please be careful. For now, it might be safer to carry a folding umbrella.
And, at the performance venue, it seems that a trial run of mobile ordering for performance merchandise will be implemented.
That said, it seems to be only for two performances: the afternoon of 6/22 (Mon) and the afternoon of 6/25 (Thu), but if you place a mobile order in advance via the QR code, it seems you can pick it up at the merchandise corner during intermission or after the performance. Oh, how convenient! It might save time and reduce congestion. However, please note that this is still a trial run.
Also, the movie theaters for the live viewing to be held on the afternoon and evening of 7/9 (Thu) have also been announced!
It seems it will be shown in all prefectures across the country, so for those who have circumstances that prevent them from going to the performance venue, or those who want to see it again or see it before watching the actual show, let's all gather at movie theaters near you across the country! Sorry it's always on a weekday! Bye!