I was excited to attend the world premiere of Hanako: Desire & other Secret Weapons created by talented Brisbane team, Katherine Lyall-Watson (read our previous interview with Katherine – here) and Caroline Dunphy.
It was inspired by Japanese plays, contemporary culture including urban fashion, martial arts and Anime, and is playing in the Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse as part of the Brisbane Festival (you had better hurry to catch it).
The play – the life of a young girl
Hanako is a girl whose life begins in a brothel, who becomes a legendary performer best known for her dying scenes after being ‘discovered’ by the American producer, Louie Fuller.
She is also a modern-day international performer feted around the world – a girl who falls in love, or is she a ghost haunting a girl’s bathroom? In Japanese Hanako means many things.
Beginning in an eerie underground dojo with trains clacking endlessly by, the play mingles modern-day and traditional elements to tell the many stories of Hanako.
Music and movement plays a big part. Old favourite Poison Arrow (you remember ABC’s song? … Shoot that poison arrow through my heart ...) sets the scene whilst Kimie Tsuakakoshi’s beautiful voice—when she is performing solo as the feted pop star—is a joy to listen to.
Urban fashion is interspersed with elements of Anime, DJ and hip hop, and the lighting by the talented Jason Glenwright really sets the mood throughout the play.
Based on the real lives of legendary Japanese performer Ota Hisa—a famous Japanese dancer who became one of Rodin’s favourite models—and Yukio Mishima—one of Japan’s greatest writers who was also a body builder—Hanako takes us on a fascinating journey.
The cast
The international cast assembled by the Belloo Creative team is a mixture of experience and emerging talent. Experienced actors Noriako Okubi (from Gento Theatre Project, Kyoto) and Kimie Tsukakoshi (The Family Law and Secret City) play the lead roles. Caroline Dunphy (Director) also plays the role of Loie Fuller with confidence and presence.
Zachary Boulton, Nicole Harvey and Caitlin Hill will be familiar to Queensland audiences from local productions. Masako Mizusawa is a new face who is studying creative industries at QUT. The cast have fun on stage and with the audience as well.
Quick, don’t miss it
Don’t miss your chance to see this amazing production or the artwork as you walk into the theatre.
Hanako: Desire & Other Secret Weapons runs until 17 September as part of The Brisbane Festival. Tickets $39 plus transaction fees (concession available).
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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