Last night Nick and I went to see Kabuki at Sadler’s Wells.
I do have a passion for dance and choreography and Sadler’s Wells is probably my favourite theatre in London, showing all the best of contemporary dance.
I’ve never been to a Kabuki performance before – I’ve been to Tokyo a couple of times, always on transit, more interested in looking around and buying stationery than do the tourist thing.
In this case the performance boasted the presence of Kabuki superstar Ebizo Ichikawa XI, so we thought it would be a good enough reason to go.
Kabuki is a complex mix of theatre, dance, drama, accompanied by live music and singing, with a parade of colourful characters wearing elaborate costumes and make up.
The theatre provided us with a translator, and although I wish I didn’t need it and find it distracting at times, it was actually necessary to follow the dialogue.
I was certainly impressed by Ebizo Ichikawa’s performance. The range of expressions, the incredible agility, and his stage presence are unquestionable. And the other performers were of similar calibre.
What I enjoyed the most were, of course the costumes. An array of colours, shapes, textures, everything so traditional and innovative at the same times. My mind is presently re-working all those styles and colours, translating into costumes for my Creatures – they have always had an affinity for Japan. Is a style thing.
Enjoy your weekend.
