“Middle Mitt”, a show launched with Okinawa-based actor Hiroyuki Shimabukuro and members of Team Spot Jumble among others, is to be re-launched as “Mittman.” The shows will start on Oct 6th, which is the weekend of the Naha Tug of War, and continue on through the weekend.
Mittman debuted to sold-out audiences at Ricca Ricca Festa 2016 (International Children’s and Youth Theater Festival Okinawa). It was performed five times over the course of three days, and it attracted audiences from both Okinawa and overseas.
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In October 2017, Mittman will participate in Ship of the Ryukyu, a project organized by Okinawa Prefectural Government Office. This will be the first time Mittman is performed in a large-scale hall. Please pay attention to “Mittman,” as it plays an active role in theatrical circles as a new form of entertainment from Okinawa to the world.
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Content
Mittman is an original comedy show featuring the combination of Karate, which originated in Okinawa, and traditional Japanese drumming. It is mostly a non-verbal performance, with only the word “Usu” spoken. Full of action with an easy-to-follow storyline, Mittman brings a smile to the entire audience — not only to children but also to adults — without drawing attention to language barriers.
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Synopsis
Four mittmen visit Okinawa for sightseeing when their spaceship breaks down; placing them in a tough situation. Needing money to repair their spaceship, they try whatever they can to raise funds, but their lack of skills frustrates their efforts. Will the mittmen be able to return home? The fate of the mittmen is in your hands!
Cast
Team Spot Jumble (TSJ) is the leading entertainment theater company in Okinawa. Hiroyuki Shimabukuro, Keiichi Yonamine, and Yasushi Murayama are experienced members of TSJ who, in collaboration with Okinawan Wadaiko percussionist Hideto, create a breathtaking show that showcases their excellent skill in Karate, dance, and drumming.
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Hiroyuki Shimabukuro (TSJ / from Urasoe City, Okinawa)
Shimabukuro is in charge of the composition and direction of this production. He is a great performer of action who has performed in the Amon Miyamoto directed dance performance Tee! Tee! Tee!, and in several stage plays and films.
Keiichi Yonamine (TSJ / from Haebaru Town, Okinawa)
Yonamine is known as the Habu Kuragen of “Ryujin Mabuya.” He is an excellent comic performer and is very popular among children, despite playing a villain. For this performance, he shows his humorous side to keep the audience laughing.
Yasushi Murayama (TSJ / from Miyakojima City, Okinawa)
Maruyama is known as the Ryukyu (Okinawan) Tom Cruise. With an overwhelming presence, he’s unforgettable once you see him on stage. Maruyama adds extra spice to the show.
HIDETO (Okinawan Wadaiko player from Ginowan City, Okinawa)
Hideto is a teacher of Okinawa Wadaiko (Japanese traditional drumming) and the leader of an Okinawa Wadaiko drumming troupe named DAZOKU. For this performance, he plays without drumsticks in a new and high-energy performance that electrifies the audience with pulsating light and the beat of the drum.
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Message from Director Hiroyuki Shimabukuro
“I want to make a new form of entertainment in Okinawa!” This project was born from an idea; a continuous experimentation with punching, kicking, and breaking various things. I would like to make this show enjoyable for audiences of all ages without a language barrier. We are looking forward to hearing your hand clapping and laughter at the venue. There is a clumsy mittman in each of us, so I hope everyone loves mittman.”
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Schedules
◆ “Mittman” at Ship of the Ryukyu 2017
The first hall performance, A 55-minute extended full version with full stage equipment and lighting.
Date & Time: Fri, 6th October 20:00 / Sat, 7th 16:00 & 20:00 / Sun, 8th 13:00 &16:00
Venue: Tenbusu Hall (Naha City Bunka Tenbusukan) on Kokusai street.
Tickets: Start selling on Sat, 14th July 2017
Inquiries: TEL: 080-3957-1656
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