So went to Toga. Did I mention the five hour drive through endless tunnels and ice caped mountains and trees? (will post a pic later, promise).
Mr. Suzuki gave a pre-show talk. It was very interesting. Mostly about healing the world (specifically Japanese society, which he sees as defective). It really is remarkable that people do travel incredible distances to a village in the middle of nowhere, come rain or snow, thunder or whatever else could stop one from going to a distant village, to sit down in a dark room with a bunch of unknowns and experience the theatre.
The play has changed some since last time I saw it. Mostly the cast. On this occasion the main role and several others were played by Korean guest actors, with whom the play will be touring through Asia and Europe. It was good to see old familiar faces as well.
In any case visiting Toga was a good refresher and reminder of the near future, as Gekidan NI will be participating in this year's Toga Summer Arts program. We still don't know the details but it should be interesting.
And by the way we got a grant from the Japan Foundation to go to Mexico, but more on that next time.
