Takarazuka Stage/Set

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Posted by kodomo on Wed 25 of Mar, 2009 02:13 GMT-0000

Hey, I'm doing a project for my Japanese Theater class, which is mainly focused on Kabuki and Bunraku, but for my midterm, I will be doing a presentation on Takarazuka. I was wondering if anyone had any detailed pictures or diagrams of the Takarazuka stage, like the revolving stage, and rising floors and such., or could point me in a direction where i could find these.
I have had a chance to see a performance, and the stage really impressed me because i had not seen rising platforms and a revolving stage before.
Is the use of these typical in most plays?
I was also wondering if anyone had more technical information on how the girls are trained. I know they go to the Takarazuka Music school, but I have no idea what goes on at the school. Is there anywhere I can go to find this out?

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Posted by caithion on Mon 20 of Apr, 2009 06:52 GMT-0000 posts: 708 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

There's some information on semester length, class length, and subjects taught on the Takarazuka Music School official site. Can you read Japanese? If so, I'd recommend checking it out.

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Posted by Zephy on Sat 18 of Apr, 2009 06:45 GMT-0000 posts: 128 ☆ ☆ ☆ Japan

I'm assuming that you're not in Japan, but in the Petit Museum in the Daigekijou compex, there is an interesting display about the setup of the stage and its mechanics (Including the Ookaidan, the grand staircase. Most people don't realize that it actually lays flat against the back wall and kinda... unfolds? I don't know how to describe it... down.

I thought I had taken photos when I was there last, but I can't seem to find them. I may kill some time in the Petit Museum if I head to the theater tomorrow. If I do, I'll try to take photos for you.

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Posted by KyaniteD on Thu 16 of Apr, 2009 14:17 GMT-0000 posts: 104 ☆ ☆ ☆

Hello,

Even if this is late... There is a japanese fan of the revue who has a very informative website: http://vintaka.fc2web.com

He also built a model of the stage, so maybe that helps:
http://vintaka.fc2web.com/profile.html

Before you use any (private) pictures, though, make the effort to ask for permission.

The official homepage of the revue also has seat plans which may or may not help with an impression of the stage layout.

http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/english/tt_seat.html
http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/english/tg_seat.html

There is not much information on what's going on during TMS. The company doesn't give much information and the seito keep it to a minimum, too, mainly just telling about memorable moments with their friends or teachers.

But I think it's safe to say it's a very strict regime.

This 12-minutes promo video includes some scenes from classes:

http://www.tca-pictures.net/tms

An english website of the Hankyu-Toho Group describes the Music School like this:

Itâ€™s challenging three-year training program (The Takarazuka Music School) is a hybrid of the Julliard and a military academy. Roughly 400 15 to 18-year-old students endure grueling course loads in ballet, modern dance, choral singing, traditional Japanese music, and the art of the tea ceremony.

400 students may be an exaggeration, though. The average class is 40-50 students and the training is two years, not three.

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