Kabuki Archives | Otaku No Culture

Theatre GUMBO’s Are You Lovin’ It? You Gotta Say Yes to this Crazy Fringe Comedy!

Last year, Theatre GUMBO entertained the masses with Forest of Truth, and with the lastest taking a stab at consumerism, you just gotta see it than answer the question!

Theatre GUMBO Are You Lovin' It? Promotional Poster The question I have after seeing Theatre GUMBO‘s wacky kabuki style show, “Are You Lovin’ It?” concern who is worse, fast-food chains or the big box stores? Both operations use visual and well-known word slogans that are familiar to pop culture iconography, and the show crafts them well, whether or not they can be used ironically.

And as far as consumerism is concerned, just what’s presented in an hour ranges from everything kids enjoy from local Japanese television game shows and for us adults, maybe Squid Games? I am sure the Icelandic show Lazytown is as much of an influence because of the costume designs. Ultimately, after the show, I was still asking myself WTF did I see?

This performance is a satire on everything folks worldwide may despise about Western globalisation. McDonald’s is everywhere, and it’s easier to poke fun at them than Walmart. Some folks get brainwashed by their ideals, and with the clowns ready to fight back, the finale packs a welcoming wallop to things people don’t like. That gets symbolised into a ball that we can throw away!

Are You Lovin' It? Promotional Image

I hope we can have the same level of certainty for understanding what goes into preserving the freshness of those hamburgers and french fries from the factory. We still don’t know, and the news can create false information to satisfy concerns. They’re fast food for a reason, but as for where the ingredients came from, even I shuddered at this play’s suggestion. The fact the goop is “pink” says it all.

But what’s more front and centre is the iconography used. I won’t spoil too much, but when Ronald MacDonald was the frontman for the chain, everyone loved this operation. When I was younger, I didn’t care. Over time, I disliked how this restaurant’s french fries taste. Once I learned how to double dip fries properly and sprinkle them with freshly ground lake salt, and perhaps garnish them with chives and pepper on top, there was no turning back!

Anyone who loves surreal comedies will double over in laughter in everything this Fringe show represents. This troupe hasn’t lined up where they’ll perform next. I suspect they’ll need a break after this local show, as I thought they’d continue in Vancouver’s event, but apparently not. As for what they’ll dream up next year, I’m sure it’ll be gonzo. I’ll gladly watch anything they offer since they’re more than ready to truly be Fringy to close my theatre experience with.

Theatre Gumbo Teaser Trailer

Gekidan Shinkansen’s Rock n’ Roll Odyssey with Fortress of Skulls Coming to Theatres (Canada-wide)

The choice isn’t hard on which version of Gekidan Shinkansen’s Fortress of Skulls is worth watching. The one now playing across Canada at select cinemas is shorter.

In select theatres Jan 26 and Jan 28 across Canada (ticket link)

Anyone who doesn’t want to watch the nearly three-hour version of Gekidan Shinkansen’s Fortress of Skulls (Wind mix) on Netflix now has an option! This gorgeous production has been edited down to a tighter work, and it’s now playing across Canada at select cinemas.

This theatre company delivers quite the experience when you can see one of their shows live. There, the seating moves with the action (more on this later), but for others going to see it at a movie theatre, the performance has a different feel. While we don’t get the sensation of the stage in motion, we will be assaulted with other terrific bits to make us feel like we’re in the play’s environment. Not only do we get a rousing score that blends rock and roll with traditional music, but also find the lighting design is straight out of a heavy metal concert.

Many cameras are used to track the action with this updated take. One is locked off to frame the entire stage, and the rest are located at strategic spots to nail specific instances, and rest roaming one to nail close-ups. Had this been aired live, the director has to be on his A game to call the camera change. With up to twenty that can be used in total, that’s a lot!

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[Fantasia 2021] From Stage to Film to Streaming with Art Kabuki

Taping live theatre performances is one thing, but to capture the nuance that defines song, dance and drama through the lens of a video camera requires having the eye to make the show as mesmerizing as attending one.

Nakamura Kazutaro and Onoe Ukon knew that when the pandemic hit, not every citizen of Japan could partake in watching Kabuki theatre. There are other forms of entertainment, but some cultural events would have to reinvent themselves if it’s to survive. Taping live theatre performances is one thing, but to capture the nuance that defines song, dance and drama through the lens of a video camera requires having the eye to make the show as mesmerizing as attending one. And thus, Art Kabuki was born.

The story we find has to enthral and even captivate. The first segment, “The Descent of the Four Gods” connects the heavens with the mortal realm as these divine forces get rather curious about our human affairs. Much like early Greek theatre, where gods are said to intermingle in the lives of humans and are part of the show, this Asian world takes a novel approach.
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