■ “Shylock is a role I’ve never played on stage before, so I’m very nervous.” (Kusanagi Tsuyoshi)
The stage play “The Merchant of Venice” will be performed at the Nippon Seinenkan Hall in Tokyo from December 6th to December 22nd, at the Kyoto Theater in Kyoto from December 26th to December 29th, and at the Misonoza Theater in Aichi from January 6th to January 10th, 2025.
William Shakespeare is a giant in the history of theater. He has left behind many masterpieces that continue to be loved through the ages, but among them, “The Merchant of Venice” is one of his greatest masterpieces, boasting overwhelming popularity with its deep character portrayals and thrilling plot.
The director is Shintaro Mori, one of the most talented directors in the contemporary theater world, who won the Best Director Award at the 21st Yomiuri Theater Awards. With a new approach that overturns conventional wisdom, he transforms historical masterpieces into modern entertainment.
And the lead role will be played by Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (the official spelling of “Nagi” is “Yumi” with “Mae” and “Katana”), who will be taking on a Shakespeare work for the first time. Kusanagi is one of Japan’s leading actors, with solid skills and a unique personality. How will he play the rare villain Shylock? The most anticipated work of 2024 is about to begin.
The key visual for this film has also been released. The striking contrast of black and red, with Kusanagi’s melancholy face, expresses Shylock’s anger and sadness. Expectations are high for Kusanagi’s expressions that we don’t usually see.
The other cast members will be announced one by one every day at 12 noon on the official website and official social media starting from August 29th.
Comment from Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, who plays Shylock
This will be my first time performing in a Shakespeare production.
“Shylock” is a role I’ve never played on stage before, so I’m very nervous.
However, the director, Shintaro Mori, and the other cast members were all new to the show.
There are a lot of opportunities, so I want to approach this work and this role with a fresh mind and without any pressure.
And I myself want to enjoy it to the fullest!■Comment from Director Shintaro Mori
When Shakespeare released this work, Venice was a place of longing for London audiences. A vibrant and beautiful water city at the height of economic prosperity through maritime trade. There was no better place for a romantic comedy to unfold. However, the story begins with a very melancholic line: “Why do I feel so depressed…?” As a director, I would like to first delve into the true nature of this suffocating feeling, and what kind of “rotten stench” is floating around in the beautiful water city. I hope that “The Merchant of Venice” will be relevant to our times. A powerful cast has been assembled for this major undertaking. In particular, the fact that Kusanagi-san will be playing Shylock is a big deal for me. My heart is pounding at the thought of taking a step into new horizons for Shakespeare’s plays.
Stage Information
“The Merchant of Venice”
12/06 (Fri) – 12/22 (Sun) Nippon Seinenkan Hall, Tokyo
12/26 (Thu) – 12/29 (Sun) Kyoto Theater, Kyoto
(2025)
January 6th (Monday) to January 10th (Friday) Misonoza, Aichi
Screenplay: William Shakespeare
Translated by Kazuko Matsuoka
Directed by Shintaro Mori
Starring: Tsuyoshi Kusanagi
[STORY]
“If you don’t pay me back the money I lent you, I’ll cut exactly one pound off of you.”
The loan shark Shylock (Kusanagi Tsuyoshi) confronts the honorable merchant Antonio with this question.
Antonio, who wants to help his best friend Bassanio with funds to propose to the wealthy and beautiful Portia, accepts Shylock’s offer.
With Antonio’s help, Bassanio sets off for Belmont, where Portia is. Everything is going well, including his friend Gratiano falling in love with Portia’s maid, Nerissa.
Meanwhile, Shylock’s daughter Jessica elopes with Lorenzo, a friend of Bassanio’s, and Shylock becomes enraged when he finds out.
Furthermore, the ship carrying Antonio’s fortune sinks into the sea.
Shylock relentlessly and ruthlessly pursues Antonio, promising him a pound of flesh…
The Merchant of Venice official website
venice-stage.jp
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