Between two or more countries and regions, is not there any wall of language and culture? I thought about it round and round while returning from Atelier Syunpusha after watching “Wannabe” of Kakikukyaku. But I was very refreshing feelings, and felt the age move greatly.
Kakikukyaku is the theatrical company especially popular among the Japanese young people. At “Wannabe”, they communicate with each other while throwing in a gesture and using English not so well. Because they are all Asians, and are not races who daily uses English. Of course, it cannot be declared that English is a universal language. “Wannabe” has not affirmed English hegemony based on an innocent conception. However, English is useful as a communications tool.
This work is exhibited in the 17th BeSeTo Theater Festival. Norihito Nakayashiki (the director of Kakikukyaku) says that "Wannabe arose from my optimistic doubt". It means “any wall of language and culture doesn't exist between countries and regions”. He did not put any interpreters into the rehearsal hall. So, the actors make relations including discommunication by speaking directly. They are not only communications by a couple, and support it by plurals each other. They think it's very natural to use the not-native language in this place, and are enjoying it.
Of course, they might know some complex history of Asia. But they give priority to people who have concrete names in the presence. I think that it's a very sincere attitude. Maybe, they don't thought "I'm Japanese" or "You are Korian" or "She is Chinese". They are only "Koro" "Goni" "Yefan" "Shichimi" and any their names.
I want to recommend this stage to young people. However, various people will enjoy this stage regardless of their age or backbones. I became feelings that entered a circle of "the quiet party" on this stage. Because this party doesn't compel feelings of euphoria at all. On this play, a girl will says “I am not interested in this stupid party, and keep quiet, please!”. I means that this stage is a open & semi-public place. It's impossible for me to know the room arrangement of this house where they live. But I feel this house is very wide. Only a little, I want to live in. In this house, I will love everything.
I saw this play at the first day. Surely, this work will grow up more and more. "Wannabe" will be presented also in Tottori. And it's likely to appear in various places in the world. Actually this time, Kakikukyaku did not use their special unique techniques. They are not satisfied with their already-known techniques, and try to take off from a peculiar context of Japan. They are challenging toward the world.
At the end, I want to say only one. This work has treated the actor's words throwing off. Perhaps, it is because they try to prove the absence of any wall between any languages. Here, the word has been treated as only a communications tool similar to gesture. However, I want to say, some words on this stage shook my mind. Those words will be only someone's copies, might be grammatically wrong. But are originated from mouths of people who are alive in this age now. I think, it's wonderful.
http://wannabe2010.seesaa.net/
(Kakikukyaku “Wannabe” 2010/06/29–07/19 @Atelier Syunpusha (Tokyo), 07/24-25 @Tori no Gekijo (Tottori) /柿喰う客『Wannabe』2010年6月29日〜7月19日＠アトリエ春風舎、７月24日〜25日＠鳥取・鳥の劇場)
(These sentences are baced on Pulthermal Fujiko's blog in Japanese ver. 2010/06/30)
