OSAKA –
Osaka Shochikuza, the historic theater in Osaka’s Dotonbori leisure district, held its remaining efficiency on May twenty sixth, bringing down the curtain on 103 years of historical past as actors and audiences bid an emotional farewell to one of many metropolis’s most celebrated cultural landmarks.
The theater’s final manufacturing, “Onagori Gogatsu Okabuki,” concluded with its remaining efficiency on May twenty sixth, drawing massive crowds earlier than the doorways opened as guests sought one final alternative to soak up the inside of the constructing and replicate on the reminiscences created there.
“I want to look carefully around the building once more and firmly preserve it in my memory,” one customer mentioned. Another mentioned: “My heart is full, and I want to witness the feelings of the performers on this final day.”
Osaka Shochikuza opened in 1923 as Japan’s first reinforced-concrete movie show. With its distinctive arched facade, it grew to become referred to as the “Arc de Triomphe of Dotonbori” and remained a well-recognized landmark within the district for greater than a century.
The theater additionally carried on the legacy of the standard venues as soon as referred to as the “Five Theaters of Dotonbori,” which traced their roots to the Edo interval. Osaka Shochikuza was the final remaining main theater in that lineage.
Shochiku, the proprietor of the constructing, introduced in August final yr that the theater would shut after the ultimate farewell kabuki performances due to the growing older construction. The firm has additionally determined that the constructing might be demolished.
The daytime efficiency on May twenty sixth was bought out, with actor Kataoka Ainosuke showing in a number one position. The viewers responded with loud applause throughout the concluding moments of the efficiency, together with a dramatic scene wherein a personality standing on the high of a staircase collapses with out bending, a stage approach referred to as “hotoke-daore.”
“Every single expression seemed to carry deep emotion, and being able to see it became a precious memory,” one viewers member mentioned. Another mentioned: “Every moment made my chest tighten. I was filled with the feeling that I did not want it to end.”
A Living National Treasure additionally visited the theater throughout the day and walked across the constructing as if taking in its remaining moments earlier than closure.
Shochiku has indicated that it hopes to construct a brand new facility on the location that can function a base for selling tradition and performing arts. However, the corporate mentioned it’s nonetheless analyzing whether or not monetary and authorized points might be resolved and is continuous discussions with Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City and different events.
With the ultimate night efficiency scheduled to conclude at round 8:30 p.m. on May twenty sixth, Osaka Shochikuza ended its position as an emblem of Osaka tradition and leisure after 103 years.
Source: Television OSAKA NEWS