Mrs. Osei Takes Action (Osei Dankou) Productions

Outline

Photo by Takehiko Yamazoe

Setagaya Public Theatre (SePT) Presents the Long-Awaited Production of Mrs. Osei Takes Action (Osei Dankou)

Dynamic director and playwright Yutaka Kuramochi creates a new tale featuring the titular Mrs. Osei, drawing on her origins in the seductive and labyrinthian world of novelist Edogawa Ranpo

Mrs. Osei Takes Action was originally scheduled to premier in February and March of 2020. This was going to be the second collaboration between Setagaya Public Theatre and Yutaka Kuramochi, following his 2017 production of Mrs. Osei Makes an Entrance (Osei Tojou). However, two days before its premier, the entire run at SePT and its tour performances were cancelled as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19. Now, two years later, SePT is proud to present this long-awaited production.

This new play follows Kuramochi’s previous successful production at SePT, a 2017 performance of 　Mrs. Osei Makes an Entrance. The titular Mrs. Osei is a femme fatale who first appeared in the 1926 novella ”Mrs. Osei Makes an Entrance” by Edogawa Ranpo (1894-1965), one of the masters of Japanese mystery fiction.
In that previous play, Kuramochi brilliantly blended eight of Ranpo’s short novels featuring the beguiling Mrs. Osei into an original dramatic text. This time, he has written an entirely new work. Mrs. Osei Takes Action features the same heroine and retains the uniquely troubling spirit of Ranpo’s labyrinthine world.

Violinist and composer Neko Saito will create the music for this production, playing a major role in creating its unique atmosphere. Saito is widely known for his many collaborations with the hit Japanese singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Ringo Sheena. Kuramochi says, “Saito’s music will evoke the uproarious and chaotic mood of the 1920s, the period of transition between the Taisho and Showa eras.”

The Cast

Kana Kurashina plays the title role of Osei, a morally flawed character who nonetheless works to bring scheming villains to justice. Kurashina’s ability to portray both innocence and steely-eyed conviction is a perfect fit for this part. She previously worked with Kuramochi in his 2017 play Dareka Sekini Tsuite.

This is actress Riko Fukumoto first production with director Kuramochi. Fukumoto won the Gran Prix during the 8th Toho Cinderella Audition. More recently, she made a big impression on audiences with her serious acting chops and her gentle and genuine screen presence in the film Love Me, Love Me Not. In this production, she plays the daughter of a wealthy family who becomes a victim of the nefarious scheme at the center of the play. Fukumoto portrays this character as a young woman who appears at first glance to be the very portrait of a proper lady. But, beyond that gentle façade, she has an iron will.

In addition, Noriko Eguchi, Nobue Iketani, Arata Horii, Yoshihiro Kasuya, Masako Chiba, Yuhi Ozora, Bokuzo Masana, and Zen Kajihara, who have appeared in Kuramochi’s works, will be delivered with a strong lineup.

Story

Toward the end of the raucous and freewheeling Taisho era (1912–26), a female novelist named Osei (played by Kana Kurashina) lives in the mansion of wealthy aristocrat Chiyokichi Matsunari. Other residents of the mansion include Chiyokichi’s daughter (Riko Fukumoto), the live-in maid (Noriko Eguchi), and Chiyokichi’s second wife, who is constantly bullied by Chiyokichi and his older sister (Nobue Iketani).

Then a parliamentarian (Zen Kajihara) who has been humiliated by Chiyokichi starts to conspire with Chiyokichi’s second wife to get his assets by making it appear that Chiyokichi has lost his mind. At first their scheme goes well as the maid, the head doctor of a mental hospital (Bokuzo Masana), and a poor electrician (Arata Horii) all join in the plot. But then it all unexpectedly turns to horrific tragedy after the first murder happens . . .

Cast & Creative

Based on novels by Rampo Edogawa
Written and directed by Yutaka Kuramochi
Music by Neko Saito

Cast: Kana Kurashina, Riko Fukumoto, Noriko Eguchi, Nobue Iketani, Arata Horii, Yoshihiro Kasuya, Masako Chiba, Yuhi Ozora, Bokuzo Masana, Zen Kajihara

Videos

• "Mrs. Osei Takes Action (Osei Dankou)" trailer
• Kana Kurashina's comment
• Riko Fukumoto's comment
• "Mrs. Osei Makes an Entrance (Osei Tojou)" (2017) trailer

Audience Support

Childcare Service

A childcare service is normally available for performances for which advance tickets are sold.
However, as capacity is limited, use of childcare service is by reservation only.

You may reserve childcare services up to noon of the day 3 days before the desired reservation time, but when the number of children registered reaches capacity, applications will closed.
So please make your reservation well in advance.
Also, please consult with the theatre regarding children with special needs.

Wheelchair Spaces

Both Setagaya Public Theatre and Theatre Tram are equipped with wheelchair spaces to allow visitors to watch performances from their wheelchairs. However, as capacity is limited, use of wheelchair spaces is by reservation only. So please make your reservation well in advance.

Please check here for audience support and barrier-free services provided by our theater.