(c)KISHI Takako
If you’re looking to enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto in a relaxed manner or are searching for a laidback date idea, then theatrical performances are right for you. The theater is one of the best sightseeing spots where you can enjoy yourself to the fullest, even on rainy days, without being affected by the weather. There are various genres of theater in Kyoto, but we would like to introduce you to Kyoto’s GEAR theater. It is a theater that originated in Kyoto that is recently gaining attention for its fascinating non-verbal performances.
Kyoto’s moving entertainment GEAR
GEAR is the first non-verbal (i.e., wordless) stage performance in Japan.
It creates and communicates the story and plotline through the performers’ facial expressions, breathing, music, and modern projection mapping. It is a truly global play that can be enjoyed equally by all people, young and old, men and women, and oversea guests as well. It is about a 10-minute walk from The Gate Hotel, located on Sanjo Street, heading west from Kawaramachi toward Karasuma.
Experience Report
Plot
The story takes place in a forgotten old toy factory where four humanoid robots called “Robo-Loids” continue to work in a devastated future society. While working, as usual, a doll, a toy doll that was once made in the factory, appears. A mysterious force brings the doll to life, and the doll becomes just like a human being! The roboroids, who are puzzled at first, come into contact with the doll through the analysis function for relics, and the mysterious power of the doll reveals its unexpected abilities. The doll also becomes more and more human-like through playing with the roboroids. But the fun and relaxing time is short-lived, as one day, the factory goes haywire and the fates of the five are sealed…
Impressions of the Experience
As the saying goes, “Pictures speak louder than words,” and I was very surprised to see how much feeling can be conveyed by facial expressions alone.
No other theater offers such a variety of powerful performances in a single performance. This theater had mimes, magic, juggling, and dance, and I was truly moved by the world of the play from beginning to end. There are two performances a week, and each character (mime, breakdancer, doll, magician, juggler) has several cast members available to perform, so there are as many as 3,600 possible combinations at each performance.
One of the charms of this performance is that no matter how many times you go to see it, you can enjoy a different variety of performances each time. (Currently, performances have been scaled back due to the pandemic. Currently, performances are held only on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, as well as on weekends and holidays.) The facial expressions and movements of the performers and the part where all the audience members in the hall laughed at the same moment also gave me some kind of a sense of unity, which was very comforting. I’m really glad I went! I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering different activities for their trip to Kyoto.
THEATER DATA
| Address | 1928 Bldg. 3F, corner of Sanjo Gokomachi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8082 |
| TEL | 075-254-6520 (Ticket window 0120-937-882) |
| Business hours | 10:00-19:00 |
*For the latest information on business hours, holidays, etc., please contact the store directly.
