How would you honor the legacies of Akutagawa Ryunosuke, whose stories inspired the movie Rashomon, or Akira Kurosawa, the legendary filmmaker who made the movie, or Faye and Michael Kanin, who co-wrote the stage version? Akutagawa wrote stories that had no storyline or conclusions. Kurosawa used film techniques and narrative devices that defied standard practice. For their part, the Kanins added elements to the Rashomon story not found in the film. The best way to celebrate all of them is obvious. It’s to be like them. To think outside the box.
How have we done that? Here are a few spoilers.
Instead of simply re-telling the story, we’ve shined a light on social class differences in 12th-century Japan. Women will resist the oppressive norms of the Samurai culture. Two characters will be taiko musicians. Ravel’s Bolero has been given a different treatment. The unseen Magistrate has been given an actual voice. An angry ghost, not written in the script, will appear. We will have a horse. The priest will be armed. Someone will wear a rain cloak. You will be introduced to the naginata.
But we will also deliver what you’re probably already expecting. Symbolism. Crows. Sword fights. Rain. Some violence, unfortunately. The Rashomon Effect. Court scenes. Emotional and philosophical conflicts. Remarkable acting. Remarkable production design.
We’re lucky to have been surrounded by gifted, generous and inspirational individuals in this endeavor. I’m referring to our production team, cast, and crew. I’m referring to the partnership between Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra and Sierra Theatre Company. I sincerely thank them all. I extend my thanks as well to Akutagawa, Kurosawa, and the Kanins for showing us a thing or two about storytelling. I thank our audience for helping to keep Asian American theatre alive. I thank my family and friends for keeping me alive. Enjoy the show.
Rashomon plays at the Nevada Theatre from April 23 to May 16. For tickets, visit https://catsweb.org