Ad not shown

Tattooer

3
Seen at the Charing Cross Theatre.
By Derek - 18th Oct 2024

TATTOOER, by Takuya Kaneshima, translated by Linda Hoaglund, is directed by Hogara Kawai. It was inspired by a short story “Shisei” by Junichiro Tanizaki and Irezumi tattoos, a Japanese art-form in anime and video games. It is a strange mixture, and seems like three shows in one.

In the first half, Seikichi (Leo Ashizawa), the tattoo artist, meets Kazuyo A played by Mao Aono and Aki Nakagawa as Kazuyo B. His longtime wish is to “carve his soul into the skin of a beautiful woman” but he has been unable to find a willing partner, until this pair arrive. Are they the same woman? Or sisters? It is never made clear, as they develop a secretive, introspective relationship. It is fine to be mysterious, but this play seems deliberately obtuse. This section also seems unnecessarily, bluntly sexualised.

During the interval, renowned Japanese Ink-Brush Painter Gaku Azuma paints a ’tattoo’ on Nozomi de Lencquesaing’s back. Since 2015, Azuma has made his canvas the skin of women through body painting, and has created collaborative works with over 200 models. Although he speaks only one word, this is the most eloquent and intriguing part of the show.

The second half changes tone again. Nozomi de Lencquesaing is now the Customer seeking a tattoo from the master. Only to find he has passed the work to his mistress. This is much broader, played almost as a comedy. Seikichi and Kazuyo debate the quality and truth of vision at length.

Lighting Designer Rob Halliday creates precise and atmospheric pictures within Hogara Kawai’s set. Along with moving coloured lanterns, the white stage and Japanese costumes, the production is visually powerful.

Director Hogara Kawai said: “Tattooing is the act of scarring the skin with a needle and filling it with colour. By filling scars with colour, they become art. What kind of picture would emerge if you could ink the “scars” you have acquired in your life? What would the art that resides in your body look like? In exploring this beautiful play, I am looking forward to finding out.” I needed more of a framework to the story to guide me into their world, more detail of those scars. More background would help clarify the suggestions and complications.

TATTOOER features in a season of new UK-Japan collaboration projects produced by Umeda Arts Theater. which aims to promote Japanese theatrical culture in the UK

Derek Benfield


Latest News & Reviews

30th Oct 24 :: Review: Black is the Color of My Voice
Touring production seen in Worthing
5
29th Oct 24 :: Review: The Creakers
Seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth prior to London Christmas run.
4
24th Oct 24 :: RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award Scheme
The winner has been announced
23rd Oct 24 :: Review: The Flea
A flea bite sparks a royal scandal in this razor-sharp exploration of power, desire, and Victorian hypocrisy.
5
22nd Oct 24 :: UKTW Looking for new partners
UKTW is looking for new relationships now that the near 30 year listings supply contract with Whatsonstage is coming to an end.
21st Oct 24 :: UK Theatre Awards
The Winners have been Announced.
19th Oct 24 :: Review: The Commotion Time
Seen at the Exeter Northcott Theatre
5
18th Oct 24 :: Review: Tattooer
Seen at the Charing Cross Theatre.
3
18th Oct 24 :: Review: Rigoletto
Verdi's opera by the Welsh National Opera seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
4
14th Oct 24 :: Touring Strictly Stars
See the professionals on tour
14th Oct 24 :: Turbine to Close
The Turbine Theatre is to close in December
11th Oct 24 :: Review: La Fille Mal Gardee
Birmingham Royal Ballet tour seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
4
9th Oct 24 :: The Box Five Club
The new dedicated home for fans to immerse themselves in the world of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals.
3rd Oct 24 :: Review: One Small Step
Seen at the Charing Cross Theatre
2
1st Oct 24 :: Review: & Juliet
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
5
25th Sep 24 :: Review: Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie's murder mystery - touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
4
18th Sep 24 :: Review: The History Boys
20th Anniversary tour seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
4
16th Sep 24 :: Review: The Story of My Life
Seen at the Stage Door Theatre in London
4
21st Aug 24 :: Review: Best of Burlesque
Seen at the Edinburgh Fringe, Assembly Rooms - Bijou
3
21st Aug 24 :: Review: The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return
Seen at the Edinburgh Fringe, Summerhall
5

Most Popular Stories

Viewings over the last 14 days
 
The Commotion Time
Seen at the Exeter Northcott Theatre
Posted 19th Oct 24 :: 220 views
The Creakers
Seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth prior to London Christmas run.
Posted 29th Oct 24 :: 154 views
The Flea
A flea bite sparks a royal scandal in this razor-sharp exploration of power, desire, and Victorian hypocrisy.
Posted 23rd Oct 24 :: 141 views
Rigoletto
Verdi's opera by the Welsh National Opera seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
Posted 18th Oct 24 :: 139 views
Tattooer
Seen at the Charing Cross Theatre.
Posted 18th Oct 24 :: 130 views
UK Theatre Awards
The Winners have been Announced.
Posted 21st Oct 24 :: 115 views
Black is the Color of My Voice
Touring production seen in Worthing
Posted 30th Oct 24 :: 113 views
UKTW Looking for new partners
UKTW is looking for new relationships now that the near 30 year listings supply contract with Whatsonstage is coming to an end.
Posted 22nd Oct 24 :: 112 views
The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return
Seen at the Edinburgh Fringe, Summerhall
Posted 21st Aug 24 :: 101 views
Touring Strictly Stars
See the professionals on tour
Posted 14th Oct 24 :: 99 views
RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award Scheme
The winner has been announced
Posted 24th Oct 24 :: 96 views
La Fille Mal Gardee
Birmingham Royal Ballet tour seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Posted 11th Oct 24 :: 93 views
The Box Five Club
The new dedicated home for fans to immerse themselves in the world of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals.
Posted 9th Oct 24 :: 60 views
One Small Step
Seen at the Charing Cross Theatre
Posted 3rd Oct 24 :: 57 views
The Grim
Seen at The Edinburgh Fringe, Underbelly Bristo Square
Posted 19th Aug 24 :: 57 views
Turbine to Close
The Turbine Theatre is to close in December
Posted 14th Oct 24 :: 52 views
Is the WIFI Good in Hell?
Seen at the Edinburgh Fringe, Underbelly Cowgate
Posted 20th Aug 24 :: 51 views
Moscow Love Story
Seen at the Edinburgh Fringe, Pleasance Courtyard
Posted 18th Aug 24 :: 49 views
The Story of My Life
Seen at the Stage Door Theatre in London
Posted 16th Sep 24 :: 48 views
& Juliet
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Posted 1st Oct 24 :: 44 views

Ad not shown


Mastodon X - Twitter © Dynamic Listing Ltd, UK. 1995-2024