Vaudeville Dance Scenes by Masao Takata (1895–1929): Masao Takata’s Dance Activities at the Asakusa Opera: Chizuru SUGIYAMA
Abstract
During the Taisho period, Asakusa Opera actors, including Masao Takata, created and performed various dance works. Masao Takata later became a pioneer of modern dance in Japan, creating a myriad of dance works, including genres such as Buyoh, Shin-Buyoh, ballet, musical plays, and vaudeville, while at the Asakusa Opera.
Between 1922 and 1924, he traveled to Europe and the United States to study vaudeville, but even during his absence, the Asakusa Opera continued to perform vaudeville acts that he and his disciples had created. Thus, Takata’s vaudeville was positioned within the Asakusa Opera. However, several questions remain.
His vaudeville comprised several scenes, – which included dancing, singing, skits, and instrumental performances. This presentation focuses on the dance scenes. It illustrates the appeal of Takata’s vaudeville by examining the characteristics of these scenes.
Event Outline
- Time and Date: May 9th (Sat.) 2026, 16:30 – 18:00 (JST)
- Format: Online meeting (Zoom)
- Presenter: Chizuru SUGIYAMA
- Affiliation: Waseda University
- Moderator: Tsugumi KONDO
- Language: Japanese
- Organized by: Institute of Research in Opera and Music Theatre (WIROM), Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University
- Comment: There were 22 participants
Profile of Presenter
Chizuru SUGIYAMA is a professor at Waseda University. Her specialized research area is Western dance in modern Japan, focusing on the Asakusa Light Theater of the 1920s and the ethnography of the dance group.
Contact
Institute of Research in Opera and Music Theatre (WIROM), Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University:https://prj-opera-mt.w.waseda.jp/
e-mail address: operaken-uketsuke[at]list.waseda.jp ([at] = @)
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