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gThe activities of the youth group begin two days before opening
night, when the Kabuki actors arrive at Kotohira for their
run-through rehearsal. Our job is to handle the technical
aspects of staging the production. This includes opening windows
for natural light and operating the suppon and seri--the trapdoor
lifts onstage and on the hanamichi walkway. Learning the sequence
of the scenes, as well as how and when to work the equipment
all within the limited time available is an immensely challenging
task.
gThe suppon and seri alone require five to six men to operate,
the division of tasks among the stage crew is very important.
Synchronizing the blackout onstage with the ascent of the
lift is the most difficult task. However, working with actors
who frequently require the equipment is very rewarding and
enjoyable.h These words spoken by deputy group manager Ono
Masato express feelings shared by all the Kompira Kabuki volunteers.
Ooka Takao, who had participated for the first time last year,
recalls, gWhen I first experienced opening and shutting the
lighting windows, it was hard work getting up to the windows
on the second floor and hard work getting the timing right.
I was nervous at the time, but now theyfve become fond memories.h
Tanaka Yasuaki admits that there are difficulties. gWe also
help organize the audience waiting outside of the theatre,
h he said. gThere were so many people, and at times we are
unable to usher them in according to schedule, and making
people impatient. But we do our best to welcome everybody
into the theater with a pleasant feeling.h
Yamada Mitsunari shared his impression of working closely
with the actors. gBackstage, the actors are fully focused
in their roles, hhe explains. g Being able to feel this tension
and intensity first-hand is very exciting.h
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gEach
and every one of us is instructed to treat the audience with
kindness. Fifteen to twenty ochako-san, or etea ladiesf, look
after the 730 people who come to see each performance, so it
is hard work to make sure everything is going smoothly. The
pace is dizzying, but during performances I have to oversee
the audience as well as look after the other ochako-san. There
is no time to relax throughout.h