Entertainment
Miike Takashi debuts first documentary covering kabuki performer Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII
The film premiered out of competition at the Venice Film Festival, capturing the traditional artist's 2022 succession ceremony.
The short version
- Japanese director Miike Takashi screened his first career documentary, 'Shumei: The Living Legacy of Kabuki,' out of competition at the Venice Film Festival.
- The documentary chronicles the 2022 succession ceremony of kabuki performer Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII, following the artist alongside his son.
- Miike stated that he maintained a hands-off approach during stage recordings to focus intimately on the character of the performers rather than directing the theatrical acts.
Key facts
- Miike Takashi directed his first documentary, titled 'Shumei: The Living Legacy of Kabuki,' which was selected to screen out of competition at the Venice Film Festival.[Variety]
- The documentary focuses on the 2022 succession ceremony where Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII assumed his hereditary stage name, tracking both him and his son.[Variety]
- Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII previously collaborated with Miike as an actor in the feature films 'Hara-Kiri' and 'Blade of the Immortal.'[Variety]
- Miike adopted an observational approach rather than directing the stage material to depict the subjects simply and candidly.[Variety]
What remains uncertain
- Global theatrical and streaming release dates for 'Shumei: The Living Legacy of Kabuki' following its Venice premiere have not been disclosed.[Variety]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.