Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' to return to London in kabuki-style

A kabuki play based on William Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night” will be performed in London in March starring Japanese actors Onoe Kikugoro and Kikunosuke, organizers said Tuesday. The play “Ninagawa Juni-ya” (Ninagawa Twelfth Night), directed by theater director Yukio Ninagawa, will be a feature event celebrating the 150th anniversary of formal relations between the two countries.

In London, the Kabuki-style romantic comedy, which was earlier staged in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan in 2005 and 2007, will be given in Japanese with English subtitles, the organizers said. ‘‘I want to give new incentives to the world of performing arts there,’’ Ninagawa said at a news conference. In the play, Kikugoro will play a clown and another role, while his son Kikunosuke will double as a twin brother and sister. ‘‘I’m worried whether Londoners will understand the showmanship of Kikugoro, who is a true Tokyoite, but I will do my best,’’ Kikugoro said.

Item Reviewed: Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' to return to London in kabuki-style Description: Rating: 5 Reviewed By: Sakura District, Inc

Tweet