The Star Wars saga has been adapted into a kabuki-style production for Japanese audiences. The stories of the iconic series will be told in one play titled “Star Wars Kabuki.”
What’s happening:
- The Star Wars Skywalker saga is getting a kabuki update. That’s right, according to Japan Today, the sci-fi series has been adapted into the traditional Japanese theatrical style for audiences to enjoy.
- Kabuki theater often depicts stories from ancient times typically the samurai era. Even with the historic emphasis, productions are popular with today’s audiences.
- While Star Wars itself takes place “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” the stories are quite modern, having only been around for forty some years. But it’s the fantasy of Star Wars mashing up with with tradition, so why not?
- “Star Wars Kabuki” promises to be more than a mere fan production especially considering Ichikawa Ebizo—a well respected iconic kabuki actor—is attached to star.
- Japan Today notes that Ebizo is himself a fan of the Star Wars stories and will also be serving as a supervisor for the production.
- Ebizo, who’s raising his two children on his own, understands the themes of love and loss better than most. He was thrust into the role of single fatherhood after his wife died of breast cancer at the age of 34.
- However, he won’t be playing a husband or father in Star Wars Kabuki. Ebizo will star as the tortured and impulsive Kylo Ren.
- “Star Wars Kabuki”’s full title is: "Star Wars Kabuki-Rennosuke Hikarigatana Sanbon" or in English "Star Wars Kabuki-Ren and Three Light Sabers."
- This special one night only performance will be held on November 28, 2019 in Tokyo, although the venue has not been revealed.
What they’re saying:
- Ichikawa Ebizo: “'Star Wars Kabuki' will depict the love and loss felt by the Skywalker family over the past 40-plus years.”