Theatrical Palimpsest: Tokyo 1992

Abstract

Richard Schechner once described Asian cultures as palimpsests-literally, tablets or parchments reused after previous writing has been erased. Since old writing is always partially visible under the new, a palimpsest exists as layers of past and present. The palimpsest metaphor applies to Japan not only historically, but culturally. Women in kimonos walk down the street next to salarymen in Italian suits. People often marry in Shinto ceremonies (though Western-style chapel weddings are becoming popular) and are buried after a solemn Buddhist funeral. Tokyo hosts a full range of theatre styles: shingeki, derived from Western-style realism; shin'pa, historical plays that borrow from both realism and kabuki; the unique performing style of Takarazuka, which combines French revue, American musical theatre, Nihon buyo, and high melodrama with noh and kabuki. Underground and experimental work shares advertising space with more established theatres in the famous Pia Guide.