Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left Takarazuka Theater Right Asakusa Engei Hall
Entertainment Venues
! Cerulean Tower
$ Kanze Noh Theater
Noh Theater
Noh plays are almost
abstract, but armed with
an English script you
can follow the stories of
avenging spirits and
wandering ghosts. The
stage set at the Cerulean
Tower Tokyu Hotel (see
p130) presents sump-
tuous costumes, masks,
sonorous music, and
slow dance gestures.
d 3477-6412 (bookings)
Kanze Noh-Gakudo, the
troupe that performs
here, is regarded as one
of the finest in Tokyo.
The spectacular dramas
are staged in the open
air by masked actors
whose movements
are lit up by massive
burning torches. d Map
Q5 • 1-16-4 Shoto, Shibuya-ku
• 3469-5241
Poster, Cerulean Tower
Noh Theater
% Shimbashi
Embujo
This theater stages period
dramas, whose plots are strong
on the conflict between love
and duty. “Super-Kabuki,” a
modern dramatic form devised
by veteran actor Ichikawa
Ennosuke, guarantees to keep
even non-Japanese audience
members alert. d Map N5 • 6-18-2
Ginza, Chuo-ku • 3541-2600
@ Aoyama Round Theater
One of Tokyo's few circular
stages, this interestingly
designed, midsize theater hosts
contemporary dance shows,
ballet, and musicals. Built within
the National Children's Castle,
it also presents programs for
young audiences. Ticket prices
at the 1,200-seat theater are
reasonable. d Map S5 • 5-31-1
Jingumae, Shibuya-ku • 3797-5678
• Open 10am-6pm
^ Asakusa Engei Hall
Traditional comic storytelling,
Rakugo , takes place here. The
seated narrators perform alone,
with the barest of props, usually
just a fan. Although it is exceed-
ingly difficult for foreigners to
follow, it is worth a visit for the
atmosphere alone. d Map G2
• 1-43-12 Asakusa, Taito-ku • 3841-8126
# Takarazuka Theater
Established way back in
1914, the Takarazuka has been
staging sentimental and romantic
plays featuring exclusively
female actors, unlike Kabuki,
which is an all-male preserve.
The Rose of Versailles , with
its opulent costumes and
dashing heroes, is a perennial
favorite. Synopsis are provided
in English. d Map M4 • 1-1-3
Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku • 5251-2001
& Azabu Die Pratze
Strictly for adults with
leanings toward radical,
innovative dance, this theater
favors modern, occasionally
58
Shimbashi Embujo puts on “Super-Kabuki” theatrical
extravaganzas in April and May.
 
 
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