The Last Geisha: Re-Creation
202570 min17+
Description
Inspired by Japan’s tourism promotion campaign featuring geisha and the hospitable culture often found in Japanese airports, Hydroblast (Shingo Ota, Kyoko Takenaka) came up with The Last Geisha: Re-Creation. Geisha culture has faded in most parts of Japan, and the geisha themselves are critical of their own culture. They spent a period of time learning how to become geisha from the last geisha living in Kinosaki.
This work documents their learning journey and summarizes their criticism and affection for geisha culture. Furthermore, Hydroblast also discusses acting, role-playing, and movement in dance. Presented in a form that combines theater, documentary, music, and dance, Hydroblast collaborates with contemporary musician Kazuhisa Uchihashi, who performs live on stage.
The Last Geisha: Re-Creation was first performed at the Festival d’automne France in 2024, and has since been performed several times at various performance festivals in Japan.
Photo ©︎ Igaki Photo Studio & Toyooka Theatre Festival 2025
This performance is supported by
Credits
Director
Hydroblast
Founded in 2019 by film director and actor Shingo Ota, Hydroblast is a collective dedicated to creating works of film and theater. In 2022, actor Kyoko Takenaka joined the team as a producer. Grounded in documentary-based approaches, they determine roles according to each project, aiming to create works through a multifaceted lens. Notable works include Watashitachi ni yurusareta tokubetsu na jikan and Fragile, both directed by Ota, as well as the performance pieces The Last Geishas: Re-Creation and Care and Acting.
