VIDEO: UH Mānoa Kabuki: Japan Bound!

2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the first known English-language kabuki performed in Hawaiʻi.

The production opened in April on Kennedy Theatre’s mainstage.

Specialists from Japan also trained students in costume and makeup. Credit: Joshua Barnes.

Link to video and sound (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/F9w

***VOSOT script below for consideration***

Following a triumphant run at Kennedy Theatre, cast and crew of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa kabuki production, The Maiden Benten and the Bandits of the White Waves are on their way to the birthplace of kabuki to perform. This groundbreaking endeavor marks the first-ever invitation for a UH Mānoa kabuki to perform in Japan. 

“It really feels like we’ve come full circle, because of course it came from Japan, and to be able to go back to Japan, performing in a theatre that’s about 150 years old…it’s pretty amazing,” said Julie Iezzi, theatre professor at UH Mānoa. 

Iezzi is the director of the kabuki play which debuted in April and is performed in English, an art known as Hawaiʻi Kabuki. Hawaiʻi’s long history with kabuki stretches back to the 19th century. The traditional Japanese theatre art form is known for its ornately decorated costumes and eye-catching makeup. 2024 marks the centennial anniversary of the first known English-language kabuki ever performed in the U.S. and Hawaiʻi, which started at UH Mānoa. 

Sold out shows 

The journey to Japan was made possible through an invitation from government officials in Gifu City, known for its regional kabuki heritage. The UH Mānoa cast will take center stage at Gifu Seiryū Bunka Plaza in Gifu City on June 1, followed by a performance at the historic Aioi-za in Mizunami on June 2. Both of which are already sold out.

“We’re able to do what we’re doing because there’s literally 100 years of history and community and support and people that are passionate about this art. For them to set that foundation for us to go to Japan from there is incredible,” said Jane Traynor, a doctoral student at UH Mānoa specializing in Asian theatre and a cast member of the production.

Master training 

In preparation of the anticipated production and tour, the UH Mānoa Department of Theatre and Dance invited award-winning kabuki actors to train UH Mānoa students on-campus this spring. Student actors first learned the play in Japanese to help bolster proper intonation and delivery. 

Master musicians from Japan also mentored students who provide a live music ensemble, spotlighting authentic Japanese singing and instruments such as the three-string shamisen, taiko drums and traditional flutes.

Funding for this historic journey is partially provided through the UH Foundation Norma Bird Nichols, PhD Asian Theatre Endowment Fund.

B-ROLL: (1 minute, 35 seconds)

:00-:20 clips from kabuki production 

:21-:34 students train with professional kabuki actors 

:35-1:07 cast and crew prepare to depart for Japan tour 

1:08-1:16 NATS cast and crew celebratory cheer 

1:18-1:35 students board bus for airport 

SOUNDBITES:

Jane Traynor, Student actor/UH Mānoa Department of Theatre and Dance

(:15) 

“We’re able to do what we’re doing because there’s literally 100 years of history and community and support and people that are passionate about this art, for them to set that foundation for us to go to Japan from there is incredible.”

Robert Morris, Student actor/UH Mānoa Department of Theatre and Dance

(:13) 

“Because of the specific focus on Asia that happens at this university in terms of language, performing arts, visual arts, music, I don’t think there’s any better place to do this.”

(:12) 

“You can’t learn it from books. You can’t learn it from videos, you have to be in the space with the people doing stuff. And so to have that, is the thing. You can’t replace that.”

VOSOT SCRIPT

INTRO

Student actors from a hit UH Mānoa play are taking their show to the birthplace of kabuki. 

(NATS CAST AND CREW CELEBRATORY CHEER)

VO

Cast and crew of the kabuki production, “Maiden Benten and the Bandits of the White Waves” received an inaugural invitation to perform in Japan. It’s a historic first for a UH Mānoa kabuki play. Government officials from Gifu City extended the invite and are covering much of the costs. In preparation, students trained with professional kabuki actors and musicians from Japan. 

SOT

Robert Morris, Student actor/UH Mānoa Department of Theatre and Dance

"You can’t learn it from books. You can’t learn it from videos, you have to be in the space with the people doing stuff. And so to have that is the thing. You can’t replace that."

VO

The UH Mānoa cast will take center stage on June 1st and 2nd in Gifu and Mizunami Japan. Both shows are already sold out.