2Roles

As an actor with the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, I was cast as Jason in the Greek play Medea but with a twist. The play was to be performed in classical Kabuki style, and Shozo Sato, a former professional Kabuki dancer, was hired as the director. After weeks of learning the demanding vocal and physical style, we were only days away from opening night. At the completion of a three hour full dress rehearsal, I confidently approached the director, panting and sweating, expecting his approval. He said simply, “I didn’t see you.” I was dumbfounded. I had run the equivalent of a marathon in terms of effort. Sato-san explained that a proper king carried himself with his arms at a precise ninety-degree angle to his body. Mine had drooped ever ...

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