Theatre | The Guardian: Reginald Rose’s drama Twelve Angry Men is an American theatre classic that has proved popular with audiences in Japan, where trial by jury was reintroduced in Japan in 2009 for the first time since 1943. Before the pandemic hit, I signed up to direct the play at the Bunkamura Theatre Cocoon, Tokyo, with rehearsals due to begin this summer. Towards the end of July, Tokyo’s theatres reopened for socially distanced audiences. But with no easing of travel restrictions, I was asked if I would be willing to direct the play by Zoom instead of in person, opening the show in Tokyo from my home in west London
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There was a quote that struck me at the very end of the post: “Theater has, and will, find a way.” It really filled me with excitement knowing how much is possible now. As much as we want to walk away from the events of this year, I think it is imperative for us an industry to take with us the parts that were good. One of them discovering and working through ways to make theater more inter-connected. Since traditionally our craft is only done in person, there have been a myriad of limitations regarding auditions and taking jobs and moving and such. Now however, although far from ideal, we know it is possible to be in one place and work in another. It was quite impressive to read about this director who was bold enough to take up the job even with all the restrictions. Art will continue to thrive and exist as long as we are motivated enough to keep finding a way how.
Overall, I hope this article helps show that having a socially distanced director is doable and helps allow for these collaborations that pre-COVID wouldn’t have happened. As horrible as the shutdown has been, it shown us how powerful technology really is and how easy it is to connect with people across the globe to create art. Not only is this work cool because of it being cross country but also because it is done in not the original language of publication. I am glad the article brings up having to deal with Western Racism in a completely Japanese cast. I think this is a really interesting concept to deal with as our productions become more cross-cultural and make theatre practitioners ask who has the right to tell certain people’s stories. Does being othered in one way allow you to tell another othered person’s perspective? Lastly, I’m surprised this article doesn’t touch more upon the time difference. Right now working on the JPPs, we are running into this issue and what is the right thing to do if the majority is one time zone. Is it okay to have rehearsal till 5:00am for some people?
At first glance, the title of this article made me do a double take. So much to unpack: “socially distanced director”, odd, yes, but doable. “in Tokyo”? Sounds interesting and my speed. I am fluent and have been studying Japanese since Kindergarten after all… but here’s the kicker: “from London”. How would you do that?
Well, apparently it’s doable. I was really intrigued by the fact that Lindsay Posner, the UK director, doesn't even speak fluent Japanese. He works with a translator and an (I’m assuming based upon her name and how she is spoken of) a Japanese assistant director.
This isn’t the theatre I remember though. Posner speaks on the traditional opening night “feeling” and how it isn’t the same. This particular mention makes me especially sad. What I loved about theatre, and even more so about stage management, is the feeling and the rush I felt on every opening night. I don’t want to compromise that feeling. So hopefully, we can kick COVID’s ass and get back to normal soon.
Regardless, Posner says: “Theatre has, and will, find a way.”
Directing a play in different countries over zoom seems impossible. It’s amazing that Lindsay Poser was able to accomplish this feat. The more I think about it the more questions I have for him. Can you still find a way to feel the energy in the room? How do you know the lights and sound are good through a video screen? Does this project require more trust in the cast and crew? I wonder if any audience member who didn’t know the situation even noticed the change. These questions also give me the desire to see the show. Ah if I was only in Tokyo! While this was the first time I have ever heard of someone directing over zoom, I’m sure this won’t be the last time. This performance of Twelve Angry Men gives me a lot of hope. We can overcome the setbacks and find new ways to make art.
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