Who is telling the truth? Who is lying? Do people see and hear what they are — and who they are? What feeds perception? What clouds perception? These questions, and more, await in this classic Japanese medieval “who done it,” leaving one with more questions than answers. This is the challenge of Rashomon. This is the “Zen” of Rashomon.
Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra (CATS), in its 32nd season, along with their partner, Sierra Theatre Company, will transport the audience to 12th century Kyoto, Japan, beginning on April 23, at the Nevada Theatre, with the play by Fay and Michael Kanin. Rashomon, the 1950 movie, made famous by filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, became a pioneer in cinematography and won the “Best Foreign Film” award at the 24th Academy Awards. The movie and the play are based on stories written by Ryunosuke Akutagawa in 1915.
A samurai was found dead in the forest. The story centers on four witnesses telling four different versions on what happened. Who to believe? They all sound so plausible.
Sacramento director and actor, Sonny Alforque, had acted in three CATS productions over the years. He makes his directorial debut for CATS in this production of high intensity, riveting with sword fights, taiko drums, and “rain” at the Rashomon Gate, where three “questionable” characters ponder over the discrepancies of the “incident” as presented to the Magistrate at the high Court. Each testimony is reenacted on stage with storytelling precision and action.
In developing this production, the director’s goal was to create, as much as possible, the authenticity of 12th century Heian, a period in Japanese history when the Chinese influences were in decline and the national culture matured. He assembled a dynamite team. Research was done by our Dramaturg, Janey Pinar, to immerse the actors in the history of that era, and additional research on characterizations and culture were submitted by Malaya Hill, as were dialect coaching by Gordon Sakaue. The “Me Too” movement sparked a rise in the demand for intimacy coordinators in the industry, and CATS has thus engaged the services of Nicole Limon. Rehearsals for the sword fight scenes began in late February, with fight choreographers Jason Henricksen, and Cecilia Ramos, Sensei, of Grass Valley Aikikai. The sword and fight weaponry were meticulously crafted and cared for after every use by props designer Hank Meyer. Taiko drumming compositions by Mike Oitzman, with support from David Yonenaka, both alumni of Grass Valley Taiko, will “wake up the audience” with thunderous drum beats, while Peter A. Mason’s soulful sounds add a contrasting layer of enchantment. The setting “in a grove” by scenic designer Pam Hodges is minimalistic, but effective. Teresa Shea’s period costumes are exquisite and a “feast for the eyes”, and Michele Nesbit’s hair and makeup designs complement well as the crown jewels to the authentic “actor’s look.” Mood-enhancing light effects by Les Solomon finishes the production’s artistry. Finally, is there a horse in the show? Come find out! The super human managing the show, from beginning to end, is our fearless Stage Manager, Jilline Henderson. And, of course, without our “key ingredients” — the actors themselves — there is no show. Actors are truly the unsung heroes.
CATS Opening Night Gala is on Saturday, April 25, 7pm, at the Nevada Theatre, with a huge reception afterwards. Tickets to the Gala and other performances are available at https://catsweb.org. Free tickets to high school and college students may be obtained by emailing info@catsweb.org. Last, but not least, enter to win a Japanese Bonzai tree, by purchasing raffle tickets during intermission.
On select days and times when Rashomon is “dark,” our partner, Sierra Theatre Company, will be presenting a children’s play at the Nevada Theatre, based on two Japanese folk tales, Peach Boy and the Moon Princess. It is written by local artists Mathias and Michele Edwards and directed by Paulette Gilbert. This beloved story celebrates courage, compassion, friendship and letting go. Fun for the whole family! See https://www.sierratheatrecompany.org for tickets.