BRIEF NOTES

Yabu no Naka / In the Grove

MATERIAL: A stage adaptation of the short narrative Yabu no Naka by Ryunosuke Akutagawa (1892-1927). It gives conflicting accounts of a crime (rape and murder), apparently taken place in the grove, illuminating the elusive and relative nature of truth. The tale inspired Akira Kurosawa's film Rashomon.

OUTLINE: The drama unfolds in a structure reminiscent of Brecht's The Measures Taken.

A man's body is found in the grove. A single sword-stroke has pierced his heart. He was seen earlier accompanying a young woman on horseback. Now, a brigand is caught riding her horse. But what occurred in the grove becomes increasingly uncertain as varying and conflicting versions of the incident emerge from the witnesses. All the protagonists, even the victim himself speaking through a medium, confess to the killing. At the heart of this mystery is the young woman, the enigma who provokes, propels and finally veils the action.

STAGING: Inventive staging is required to create the Cubist vision of the original tale on stage. The action can be placed in any period or context. The performance will involve mime, projected moving images, and harsh percussion, which urges on and underscores the action. A bare stage except for several bamboo trees in the centre area, shooting up from the floor to the flies in all directions. This defines the space and provides several focal points in the choreography. Skilful lighting is essential.