“The 3rd Kanagawa Kamome Short Theater Festival” has finally begun! Interview with stage actress and public relations ambassador Kazuka Mashima about its charm

“Kamosai” is a festival that everyone can enjoy and find their favorite plays.

-The 3rd Kanagawa Kamome Short Drama Festival will begin soon. Mr. Mashima is now serving as a public relations ambassador?

That's right. But actually, my encounter with Kamosai started from the first time. At first, I participated as a member of the Tokyo national team, presenting ``The Invisible Man Disappears'' by a theater company called ``Tasuichi''. The second time, I was asked to become an MC, and this is where I am today. That's why I'm so happy to be able to participate as both a performer and host (lol). What a luxury it was to be able to perform on the stage of my coveted KAAT three times. For that reason, I really want more people to enjoy it than the last time.

-Since this is the third time the event has been held, Kamosai has become widely recognized. Do you have any recommendations for how to watch a play so that even first-time theatergoers can enjoy it?

Well, when it comes to theater, I think it can be a bit difficult for first-timers to go see it, even if they are interested. Many theatrical productions have a running time of 1.5 to 2 hours, and some large-scale productions can exceed 3 or 4 hours, so if the theme or content is different from what you imagined, ...There are some parts where it's hard to feel the fun. However, Kamosai has enough content that even those watching it for the first time can enjoy it. As a short drama festival, the pieces are every 20 minutes, and a total of eight theater companies are participating, each with a different theme. So you can relax and watch the show, and I'm sure you'll find a play with the content and atmosphere you like.

The recommended way to enjoy it is to "just enjoy it freely!" Instead of thinking deeply about theater or art, why not start by looking for what you like about it? For example, that actor is wonderful and cute! The story is interesting, and the gestures and phrases are different from everyday life. And anything else. I personally feel that theater is very freeing. In the case of television and movies, I think the director cuts what they want to show in the way they want to show it, but in theater there is a lot of freedom, and each actor has to come up with their own creative ideas. You are free to look anywhere on the stage. So, I guess I don't have to worry too much about how it looks.

I want people to feel that ``theatre is everywhere,'' beyond the city and across the ocean.

-It is said that the performance will be performed by a highly qualified theater group from all over the country and overseas. Please tell us about the characteristics of the theater company and the work.

First of all, the works are very diverse. A major feature of Kamosai is that theater companies from all over the country come together to perform there, and it is rare to have the opportunity to experience works that have a regional feel. In terms of theater companies this time, ``The Night Before'' by the theater company ``Gin's Bar'' from Miyagi Prefecture has a drama about men and women after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and ``Sake'' by the Shimane-based theater company ``Kamenifuji''. ``Soba and Men and Women'' is a story about a samurai and a soba restaurant from Matsue. In this way, theater that is rooted in the local community is stimulating for us as performers as well. In addition, there are both serious plays and comical plays, making the lineup truly rich in variety. Also, I would like you to see the Korean theater troupe ``Gekidan Dokan'' and their work ``Report on Alternative Family Ecology.'' We have been inviting Korean theater companies since the first time, and I am always amazed by the high quality of their performances. Theater is very popular in South Korea, and I hear that there are over 100 small theaters in the town of Daehakno, where plays are performed every day.

What's great about Kamosai is that you can experience theater from all over the world, regardless of your city or country. I would like people to realize that theater is an art form that can be found anywhere.

- Kamosai is a theater festival like no other. So, what kind of stage is it for you as a performer?

It's truly, truly a wonderful stage! (lol). This is similar to what I said earlier, but even actors don't have many opportunities to see works performed in locations far away from where they live. I guess it's easier to organize things by base... However, at Kamosai, you can see works by theater companies from all over the world, and get a feel for the lives of the actors who are active in each region. I also feel that being able to interact with others is very valuable. In Kamosai, we ultimately choose the award-winning theater company, so at first each of us has a feeling of not wanting to lose. We were rivals, and that's how I felt when I joined as an actor. However, once the award ceremony is over, I feel completely different. Naturally, we both recognized each other's plays, and the desire to dedicate ourselves to acting began to arise. That's wonderful, isn't it? Actually, there is a Korean theater troupe called ``Gekidan Masterpiece Cornfield'' that we started interacting with at the first time. I was very moved when I heard someone say, ``If we ever participate in the competition, the entire Korean team will be there to support us.''

<The 1st Kanagawa Kamome Short Drama Festival performance: Tasuichi's work "The Invisible Man Disappears">

Also, I'm most happy to receive feedback on my performances from people I admire who serve as judges.
There may be additions and revisions when re-performing a past work, but once the script has been completed and performed, the script is written in a short period of time with fresh memories of when it was written, and moreover, by people who are active at the forefront of the theater world. I think there are very few opportunities to reconsider and receive opinions from others.
Also, you may receive advice on your acting, making it a very meaningful experience for the performers.

There was an unexpected twist at the award ceremony! ? “Kamosai” created by actors, judges, and audience members

−Please tell us about your future activities, including your role as public relations ambassador.

As a public relations ambassador, I would like to use my experience as an actor and host to serve as a bridge between many people and theater. It's a festival that both theater fans and first-timers can enjoy, and where actors can grow as well, so I'd like to continue spreading the word about its wonders.

Personally, I am putting all my energy into the activities of the organization I belong to, ``Rejittar Kikaku.'' Until January 21st, we are presenting a play called ``Sono Thing'' at ``CBGK Shibugeki!!'' in Shibuya. The cast was very impressive, and the theater's ``powerhouses'' gathered together. Furthermore, former Morning Musume member Risa Niigaki is also a member, making the play both high quality and entertaining. I will also be participating in the Shimokita Theater Festival, which will be held for a month starting in February. It's a production by the theater company MU called ``I Think of This Bar as a Church,'' and both are very enjoyable, so if you're interested, please come and see them.

-Finally, please give us a message for the opening of Kamosai.

In today's world, I don't think we often come into contact with ``human breathing''. However, I believe that emotion comes from people's actions and connections. And theater is art that is ``created by the people who are there.'' Please come to the venue and experience the wonder of "raw expression" that can only be achieved on stage.

I would also like to point out that Kamosai is a theater festival created by everyone. It's not just a theater festival to watch; there's also an Audience Award to select award-winning theater companies, so the judges' evaluations aren't everything. I think this is something that customers can really enjoy, as the screening results can vary greatly depending on the customers' evaluations. We are looking forward to seeing many of you.