Samurai slapstick

The critically-acclaimed “Mushashi,” Hisashi Inoue’s play inspired by the legendary 17th-century Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, opened Friday at the LG Arts Center in southern Seoul. / Yonhap

Japanese drama 'Musashi' is fast, fun and inspiring

Director Yukio Ninagawa at the news conference at Seoul’s LG Arts Center on Monday / Yonhap

By Kwon Mee-yoo

“Musashi,” the critically-acclaimed play by the late Hisashi Inoue, will play for only three nights at southern Seoul’s LG Arts Center starting Friday. Those looking for an unforgettable experience should by all means reserve tickets now and read the rest of this article later.

The play, directed by reputed Japanese thespian Yukio Ninagawa, is inspired by legendary 17th-century Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, whose duel with younger rival Sasaki Kojiro in 1612 remains a poetic story that’s part history, part myth.

According to the story, Musashi killed Kojiro after an epic battle. But Inoue’s play is based on a re-imagination in which Kojiro somehow survives the encounter.

The play takes place six years after the clash, when the two meet at a remote Buddhist temple to settle their beef once and for all. But the story takes a turn when local villagers try to stop what they believe would be meaningless bloodbath.

The play is remarkable for its pace, smart dialogue and dazzling visuals, and Ninagawa shows a deft touch in moving smoothly and swiftly between intense drama and slapstick comedy. Tatsuya Fujiwara is brilliant as Musashi, his understated delivery presenting a stark contrast to Junpei Mizobata’s impetuous Kojiro.

Ninagawa famously takes pride for captivating his audiences “within five minutes” and his talent for visual impact is clearly displayed in Musashi, a three-hour play that feels much shorter.

“I’m always looking to make a quick impression. I hate plays that take too long to get going,” said the 79-year-old in a news conference Monday at LG Arts Center.

“You have to think about the people who are coming to watch your play. It could be anyone — an office worker looking for entertainment after a grueling day at the office, a couple in love or a housewife on a night out. From wherever they come, I want them to be absorbed within five minutes.”

In other words, be on time if you plan to come.

“I invest so much in the first few minutes, so please do not be late,” he said lightheartedly.

“Please observe the movement of bamboos,” he added. “I was inspired when I visited the house of Inoue when he was alive (to discuss the script) and saw the bamboos there. In the play, the bamboos move without a sound and are delicately designed to assist during scene changes.”

Before arriving in Korea, Musahsi received rapturous acclaim in Japan as well as in London, New York and Singapore.

Fujiwara has a strong fan base in Korea from his appearances in films such as “Death Note.” His director seemed happy about his acting.

“He is a great Musashi. I tend to cast new actors for the role of Kojiro to keep the tension fresh," the director said.

Musashi runs through Sunday. The play is in Japanese with Korean subtitles. Tickets cost 30,000-70,000 won. For more information, visit www.lgart.com or call (02) 2005-0114.