Along with the Japanese drum group "Dako-on", SEISA's theater troupe "Shinseisaiza" celebrated its 70th anniversary last year (2020).

 

For 70 years, the troupe has been conveying the true beauty of human beings and the importance of caring for others, even in difficult situations, through various plays such as "Doro-Kabura". In the past 10 years, many students from SEISA Kokusai High School have participated in the SEISA Drama Seminar, and many of them have grown up and left the school.

 

During the 70th anniversary, COVID-19 swept the world, and the theater company was no exception to its impact. We were forced to cancel a series of commemorative events and performances, and although we were in a difficult situation, we were able to make it through the 70th year thanks to the support of the local community and everyone in Japan and around the world.

 

During the 70th anniversary, the new coronavirus swept the world, and the theater company was no exception to its impact. We were forced to cancel a series of commemorative events and performances, and although we were in a difficult situation, we were able to make it through the 70th year with the support of the local community and everyone who cheered us on throughout Japan and around the world.

 

At the end of last year, the 70th anniversary year, the SHINSEISAKUZA started a performance tour as part of the Agency for Cultural Affairs' "Support Project for the Advancement of Strategic Core Technologies. They performed in Saga, Kumamoto, and for the first time in the history of the troupe, Okinawa.

 

The Okinawa Performance was held on December 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun), 2020 at Okinawa Civic Hall and Okinawa Convention Center Theater Building, respectively.  The story of a pure girl who, while experiencing both painful and good things, perseveres and makes the people around her smile brightly brought tears to the eyes of many audience members, perhaps helped by the current social situation.

 

Ranri MAYAMA, president of NPO Shinseiza Theater Group, who actually played the role of the old man on stage, said, "It was very good that we were able to perform in Okinawa in the 70th year. This performance in Okinawa was also the last wish of the late Miho MAYAMA, the founder of the theater company, who continued to wish for peace.”

 

Chiho OZUWA, who played the role of the "middle-aged woman," said, "As a theater company that has been performing dances and plays that seek peace for 70 years, we wanted to perform in Okinawa someday, as the land paid a heavy price in the last war. I didn't think we would be able to do it at this time. If it is possible, I would like to realize a second performance.”

 

We would like to express our gratitude for the cooperation of many people in making this performance possible. We truly appreciate it. Thank you very much. In addition, we donated the collected fund to Okinawa Prefecture for the reconstruction of Shuri Castle.

 

We will continue to work together with SEISA children to develop strong individuals who can care for others even in difficult situations through theater.

 

Media, etc. (Available in Japanese only)

Shinseisakuza Theater "Doro-Kabura" Held in Okinawa City on March 12 and at Ginowan on March 13.
https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/673248