Hirokazu Tategata's Danceable LIFE Vol.8
Aiming to become an expressive artist with a strong presence
Hirokazu Tategata (Actor, Dancer, Choreographer)
It was THE CONVOY SHOW that gave me, a member of the ensemble, the opportunity to be in the spotlight. The unit was founded by its leader, Nezumi Imamura, who gathered together dancers from the ensemble. With THE CONVOY SHOW out in the world, more people were able to see me, and I also had more opportunities to perform on various stages.
At the end of last year, I had the opportunity to appear in the musical "Hamlet." I've worked with the composer, Sayuri Fukui, before, and her music is quite eccentric, with lines that feel like they're sung directly. It's extremely difficult, but also very appealing and rewarding. Of course, all the songs were original. I was honored to be given three songs, but even getting the notes right was difficult, it felt like training (laughs).
In musicals, it's important to convey the song as words, as lines. You exist in the story as the character and sing as that character, but it's hard work to get to that point. Of course, it's a fun struggle, and it's nice to be able to try something new.
I'm not the type to be particularly dexterous, so when I express a character through dance, I've always thought more about "how to convey the presence of this character" than "how to show the dance." There are some dances that require strong technique, but I really enjoyed pursuing how to express a character through dance, not just dancing coolly, but how to act and exist.
In that sense, I am very happy and feel rewarded when I get the opportunity to play roles that go beyond the boundaries of dance, such as in straight plays and musicals. Of course, I love dancing, so I am truly grateful to be asked to do so, but rather than being asked to act as a dancer, I feel great joy when I am asked to demonstrate my presence as the performer known as Tategata Hiroichi.
If I had only been "selling" coolness, I don't think I would have been able to continue for this long (laughs). And when I think about getting older and turning 60 or 70, that would be "not fun."
What I find fascinating are performers whose possibilities expand as they get older. Getting older is not a negative, but a positive. It would be wonderful if, as they get older, they could become performers who make people think, "This role would suit you," or "This role is one I'd like to see them play." I would be happy if I could acquire the mysteriousness, alluring charm, beauty, and poison that come with age.
