University Theatre presents Japanese kabuki

University Theatre kicks off the second part of its season with a style of show rarely seen by Madison audiences: a traditional Japanese kabuki piece. Professor David Furumoto, director of theatre and drama and resident kabuki aficionado, will direct “Narukami: The Thunder God,” with English adaptation by James Brandon. “Narukami” opens in the Mitchell Theatre on Friday, Feb. 26, and runs through Saturday, March 13.

“Narukami” is a tale of a powerful ascetic Buddhist priest by the same name, who makes a deal with the emperor to ensure that a healthy male heir would be born unto the throne, and in exchange, the emperor would grant Narukami anything he wishes. But when Narukami asks for a temple in his honor, the emperor refuses. As punishment, Narukami traps all the dragon gods of rain, causing a terrible draught. In desperation, the emperor sends the most beautiful lady of the court, Lady Taema, to seduce Narukami and trick him into revealing the secret of releasing the rain spirits. Be careful not to upset Narukami, though, because when angered, this plain Buddhist priest can transform into a raging demon.

Presented along with “Narukami” will be a short comedic one-act play called “The Zen Substitute.” Here, Lord Ukyo has grown tired of his smothering wife, Lady Tomoe, and finds refuge and delight in a mistress. To escape his overly attentive wife, Lord Ukyo makes up excuse after excuse until he is finally successful in his deception. But when his lie is discovered, his wife has some trickery of her own.

Furumoto had his first brush with kabuki theatre in 1974 when he was cast as Black Cloud in a production of “Narukami,” and after that, as he puts it, “I was hooked.” Furumoto chose these two pieces to be performed together because they “bring out the high points of kabuki theater,” he says. He stresses that is a great example of pure traditional Japanese kabuki and is easily accessible to all audiences. In comparison, University Theatre’s production of “The Zen Substitute” is an example of an older form of kabuki that will be reworked to incorporate a more modern spin on the older traditions. Furumoto comments, “Audiences will be surprised by its bawdy humor and the power of the performance.”

Bethany Wood, Ph.D. student in theater research, has been diligently exploring all aspects of the script and kabuki theater as dramaturg for this production. “What interests me most about kabuki is the amazing spectacle and athleticism involved in the productions. In “Narukami,” a saint transforms into a thunder god before the eyes of the audience and then proceeds, in a complexly choreographed combination of acrobatics, dance and martial arts, to battle a host of monks.” To learn more, visit Narukami – The Thunder God.

Both undergraduate and graduate students have had the opportunity to study the specific technique of kabuki theater with Furumoto in his movement class. First-year MFA acting candidate Robert Pham has been cast in the lead role as Narukami in his first kabuki production. Although venturing into new waters will be a huge challenge, he says, “I expect the rehearsal process for “Narukami” will be fun. After a semester of kabuki training with David, I look forward to him guiding the cast and crew through what will be an exciting production.”

Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and matinees begin at 2 p.m. Individual tickets are $20 general public and $14 for UW–Madison students. Discounts are available for senior citizens and Friends of University Theatre.

Purchase tickets by phone at 265-ARTS (2787), in person at the Vilas Hall box office, at the Wisconsin Union box office.