Waseda theater research and education

Waseda University has a long, multifaceted tradition of theater research that traces its roots to author, critic, playwright, translator, editor, and professor Tsubouchi Shoyo (1859-1935).

In this article, playwright, producer, and actor Keishi Nagatsuka shares his thoughts on theater.

Hoping for the day when theater is once again recognized as fine arts culture

Keishi Nagatsuka

I was very happy to hear that Waseda’s Dramakan Theater would be brought back to life. I used the theater once in 1998 for a performance with the Asagaya Spiders. That was a time when all theatrical troupes wanted to become major successes and attract as big of an audience as possible. There was a time when I was very conscious of how many people were going to see certain performances.

Modern theater has changed since then. It’s a blessing that a balanced variety of performances are being produced. There are more organizations (mainly public institutions) that provide performers with performance space, time, and help reduce the financial burden of these performances.  The student organized Dramakan Theater will likely exceed those that came before it.

I advocate for theater’s combination of entertainment and art, but I am also waiting for the day when theater is once again recognized as a part of fine arts culture. I am looking forward to Waseda’s new base for theater, the Dramakan Theater, giving birth to new and exciting performances.

I look back fondly on my days as a passionate student as a time that ignited an excitement for theater. Theater is an art form, not a sales war, and I hope students will direct their passion towards the arts and create inspiring, irreplicable performances.

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Keishi Nagatsuka

Nagatsuka is a playwright, producer, and actor. He is the supervisor of the theatrical troupe the Asagaya Spiders and the representative of Kazukawa Shinchosha. He is responsible for the production of “11 Cats” at Sazan Theater from October 1-17.