On the stage of Hancho Yuuei
A prayer for the world

Graduate of the School of Integrated Culture (now College of Performing and Visual Arts) Theater Major
Representative of Hanchuu Yuyouei Theater Group / Playwright / Director

Takutaku Yamamoto

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This is yet another remarkable achievement for an Obirin University graduate. Playwright and director Takuya Yamamoto won the 66th Kishida Kunio Drama Award in February 2022 for his play "Banana Flowers Are Edible." In November, he is also scheduled to perform "The Unknown Dancer from the Neighboring Town" in collaboration with dancer Wataru Kitao, who is also an Obirin University graduate.

"As soon as I entered university, I decided I wanted to start a theater company. I was looking for connections with people. At the time, I was confident that I knew more about theater than anyone around me, and I had the ambition to definitely make something happen. I spent my days going to the library, borrowing books, DVDs, and materials, and studying the history of modern theater."

The student theater group was doing well, but all the main members got jobs upon graduation. Yamamoto was left alone, but in 2011, she started working with new members in earnest.

"I was lonely when I was on my own, but I had no intention of quitting theater. A major turning point was in 2014. Since receiving recognition from theater professionals overseas, I have been regularly performing abroad. The influence of overseas is significant. For example, in 'Dig Dig Flaming!' which we performed this June, I deliberately expressed heavy issues such as discrimination and death in a light tone. Unlike in Japan, such methods and styles are possible overseas."

Yamamoto imbues the stage of Hancho Yuuei with prayers and wishes for the world.

"I want to create works that protect the pure feelings of people who are often looked down upon. At the same time, I also value enjoying the process of creating plays with my colleagues. When everyone is having fun, the play itself looks happy. In reality, it's very difficult to maintain that pure feeling of enjoyment. That's why I want to continue to focus on having fun."

What makes up Mr. Yamamoto

I borrowed the DVD of Juro Kara's "The Secret Garden" from the library many times while I was a student. I was fascinated by the "strength of life" in the play, which involved pouring a large amount of water on the stage, even though it was the opening performance of a new theater.

My sketchbook and MacBook: Since my student days, this sketchbook has been my go-to for taking conceptual notes. Once the idea is finalized, I forget about the sketchbook for a while and write the script on my MacBook.

The tumbler was a gift from the theater troupe members to celebrate winning the Kishida Kunio Drama Award, and it's signed by the troupe members with their character names. He says he uses it to drink water every day at rehearsals.

Suguru Yamamoto

Graduated from the School of Integrated Culture, Theater Major in 2009. While still a student, he launched 'Hanchuu Youyou' in 2007, earning high acclaim both domestically and internationally with works such as 'Youjo X,' 'Not Born Because I Couldn't Give Up,' 'That Night and Friends,' and '#禁じられたた遊び.'

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Swimming in the air

This theater group is entirely written and directed by Yamamoto. Their highly critical style, which humorously deals with themes such as life and death, senses and language, collective society, and family, challenges the audience's values.

Interview date:
This was done in July 2021 for the university's public relations magazine, "JF Oberlin Tokyo No. 9".

On the stage of Hancho YuueiA prayer for the world

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What makes up Mr. Yamamoto

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On the stage of Hancho Yuuei
A prayer for the world