The Children’s Theatre Project, the youth division of the Community Players of Concord, has taken on quite the task: perform a centuries-old work of drama in the traditional Kabuki style in front of hundreds of people at a historic, prestigious venue in downtown Concord.
If you’re thinking, “So what?,” you have no idea what a big deal this undertaking is.
Kabuki is a classical Japanese dance-drama, notable for its very stylized motions and acting, as well as elaborate makeup and traditional Japanese music.
It’s a tall order considering this show will be performed entirely by students, from elementary school right up through high school, who presumably have little to no experience in this style.
The play is called Shining Princess of the Slender Bamboo, and although you may have never heard of it, it’s been around for a while.
Since we are among the many who haven’t heard of it, nor had we the chance to see a full rehearsal, here’s a description from the Players’ website:
“Often called Kaguya Hime (Glittering Lady), the story of the Shining Princess is one of Japan’s best-known and most beloved tales. The earliest written version was produced 1,000 years ago and is believed to be the oldest piece of fiction in Japanese literature.
“The tale tells the story of Moonbeam, mysterious daughter of the Moon King. She is hidden as a tiny babe inside a magically glowing bamboo, to be discovered on the night of the August Moon by the childless Bamboo Cutter. The play presents the comedy and adventure of Moonbeam’s bumbling suitors; the startling revelation of her true identity; and finally, Moonbeam’s bittersweet departure from her earthly loved ones. The soundtrack combines traditional Japanese music and instruments with fanciful sound effects.”
The show – which will be at the Concord City Auditorium on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. – will be directed by Karen Braz, who conceded that this play won’t be done 100 percent in the Kabuki style.
“We’re just doing a little taste of it,” she said, explaining that there’s so much that goes into a legit Kabuki performance that it’s really hard even for accomplished adult actors to master. But, the kids will give it their best and try to create as immersive an experience as possible.
The show will, indeed, feature the elaborate makeup that is one of the hallmarks of Kabuki, and music tracks and sound effects will also be employed. The set will also closely resemble a Japanese village.
Although this is only a “taste” of Kabuki, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. At a rehearsal last week, a few bugs were still left to be worked out, but the group would spend every day up until the show fine-tuning everything and getting the kinks out.
So how do the actors feel heading into the final stretch?
“I don’t really get nervous when I do these,” said Brady Haywood-Minery, an acting veteran. “It’s just kind of natural – I always like getting attention.”
When asked whether she was nervous or excited, Keisha Johnson said, “A little bit of both.” She’s acted in plenty of plays before too, so she’s used to the butterflies.
You, however, shouldn’t be the least bit nervous about attending. Tickets are available for both shows at $13 apiece and can be snagged at communityplayersofconcord.org.
