"Tragedy has the power to turn comedy into change in the world" Otokoniku du Soleil - A stage sho...
1A passionate, happy-ending story performed by shirtless men will be performed for the first time in Kochi. Announcer Enomoto spoke to the troupe's director about the passion behind the performance, which he describes as "highly compatible with Kochi."
Otokoniku du Soleil (Otokoniku du Soleil) is an unforgettable rap performance performed by shirtless, jeans-clad men. Formed in 2005 by current Kinki University students, the group will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025.
"We look forward to working with you."
We spoke to troupe director Sadam Ikeura, who will be performing in Kochi for the first time, about the appeal of his troupe.
(Announcer Yuki Enomoto)
"Otokoniku du Soleil. What are some of the company's unique features?"
(Director Takeshi Ikeura)
"We do so-called theatrical elements and storytelling. Honestly, about half of it is crazy dancing, like desperately swinging our bodies around. Our basic style is jeans and shirtless."
(Announcer Yuki Enomoto)
"Shirtless!"
(Director Takeshi Ikeura)
"They dance desperately, sweating and sweating in jeans and shirtless. It's not often people are willing to pay money to see an old man get weaker right in front of their eyes. I think that's our charm, or our selling point."
Otokoniku du Soleil is distinctive in both appearance and content. Their upcoming performance, "Tragedy EXPO 2025," has previously been performed in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. So why Kochi after the big cities?
(Tsuyoshi Ikeura, Director)
"There's Yosakoi in Kochi, right? For about 10 years now, word has been going around in Kyoto that people from Kochi love dance. Since we're a dance-loving troupe that gets drenched in sweat, I think we have quite an affinity with Kochi, and I've always thought that if people were interested and came to see us, they might enjoy it."
Ikeura, who believes that dance is deeply ingrained in Kochi residents, recently discovered something new when he conducted a theater workshop within the prefecture.
(Tsuyoshi Ikeura, Director)
"Maybe it's because they've been attending Yosakoi and other dances since childhood, but whether it's acting or dance, they have a real stage spirit and are always up for the challenge. Their bodies seem to respond to what you say. They sense the fun of the expression. I get the feeling that they're receptive, and I think Otokoniku and Kochi are an incredible match."
Otokoniku du Soleil has a strong affinity with Kochi. What kind of story is the upcoming production of "Tragedy EXPO 2025"?
(Track Leader Takeshi Ikeura)
"Roughly speaking, Tragedy EXPO is being held in the Sea of Trees on Mount Fuji. The story is about young people today who believe they are tragic, going to Tragedy EXPO and encountering and experiencing various tragedies, and perhaps discovering a new way of life in modern Japan..."
This sounds like a socially conscious, yet rather difficult story...
(Track leader Takeshi Ikeura)
"But don't worry. We only dance for an hour (laughs). We'll be performing Shakespeare's Hamlet and Macbeth, but it's okay even if people who don't know anything about them come. That's because we explain it all in rap form in about five minutes. The audience won't really understand, but in the end, they'll understand that tragedy turns into comedy, and that it has the power to change the world. I hope we can convey that through our passionate dancing."
Not just this time, but every Otokoniku du Soleil play has a happy ending, so they hope people who are tired from work will come and see it. There may even be some elements unique to the "Kochi performance."
(Troup Director Takeshi Ikeura)
"What surprised me when I came here was the fried moray eel. It was my first time eating fried moray eel. Moray eels look scary, and their skin looks really tough. But it has an incredible amount of collagen! It's so fluffy! I was so moved that I almost want to somehow include 'fried moray eel' in my performance. Bonito is delicious, of course, but the fried moray is just amazing!"
Otokoniku du Soleil, a passionate performance by men that the troupe director says has a strong affinity with Kochi, will be performed at the Prefectural Cultural Hall on August 29th and 30th.
(Track Leader Takeshi Ikeura)
"We're Otokoniku du Soleil, from Kyoto. Yosakoi is a wonderful dance, and we're going to dance and dance and dance and dance just as hard as you do. Come and experience our sweat, energy, and passion onstage! Thank you!"
"Tragedy EXPO 2025" will be performed at the Prefectural Cultural Hall on August 29th and 30th. Tickets are on sale at the hall, Ticket Pia, and Lawson Ticket. General admission tickets are 4,000 yen in advance and 4,500 yen on the day.