SAMURAI SPIRIT

EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL 2008 REVIEW

SAMURAI SPIRIT

EUROPEAN PREMIERE

Zoo, Southside Theatre, 117 Nicholson Street

22.30pm (1 hour) 1 – 24 Aug (not 12)

£12.00, (£11.00), £10.00, (£9.00)

Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp

 
I was particularly drawn to Samurai Spirit, through my love of Japanese culture and arts, especially Samurai culture and was lucky enough to at least understand the beautiful history of the Samurai, having reviewed of Mark Ravina’s book, The Last Samurai: The Life and Battles of Saigo Takamori.

In name, the brave Samurai Warrior, till death bears his sword with such a passion, embedded deep into his soul. Perhaps Samurai Spirit lacks in voice over, explaining the history and culture of Samurai culture, which was most powerful in the peak of its time.

During the former Edo era, during the 1600 – 1868, the Samurai were deemed as “the masters of the four classes” – above farmers, artisans and merchants.  They were the only ones permitted to carry swords.  They had the right to kill any member of the lower classes for disrespectful behaviour. The Samurai had power for 250 years. If you read my review of the book you will learn why that changed in the new Japanese Imperial Government, founding in the Meiji era 1868-1912.

Kamui's amazing choreography excelled in this amazing performance.  You have to see it to believe it, for its outstanding, breathtaking, spectacular and brilliant sword and spear play. Kamui were formed in 1998 by Testuro Shimaguchi, Hiroaki Kawaguchi and others.  Check out www.k-kamui.com/e/ for more details.

There are many brilliant scenes where Testuro Shimaguchi, two-sword specialist, Nitou Master, displays his powerful, masterful sword skills.  Testuro; the group’s choreographer is famous for choreographing “the snow fighting scene” in Kill Bill Vol 1, (2003).

Lots of scenes, the Samurai way of fight, with, Hiroaki Kawaguchi, one sword master, (Ittou Master); Takashi Fukudu with spear, (Yari Master), and Akiharu Tanaka, long swords, (Naginata Master).

Their sword performance shows the seriousness of sword fighting, yet they have incorporated humour into their production, as they have the audience laughing at times.  They also invite an audience member to participate in an onstage workshop lasting ten minutes.  The audience loves this.    

I highly recommend this production, for its beauty and respect for the Samurai way and traditions of swordplay.

In hindsight, it’s sad that what was once a prominent part of Japanese culture seems to be kept alive only by film, theatre and practice fight. I take my hat off to Kamui, they strive for quality and perfection in their highly charged performance visual spectacle. You will enjoy the music.  Iit is spiritual and enlightening, blending in well with the sword fighting!