To script, or not to script? That is the question many in the drama world contemplate. Traditional theatre prefers the use of scripts, which offer something of a safety net.
However, improvisational theatre prides itself on spontaneity and the sheer freedom of acting instinctively off other actors. That is the beauty of 'improv', and witnessing a live performance can be magical.
There are many categories of improv. One in particular is playback theatre, which is precisely what its name implies. Actors playback, or re-enact, part of a story told by participating audience members. Rather than simply re-enacting events, actors add their own artistic interpretation to make the performance more lively and entertaining, while maintaining the gist of the story.
Although actor-director Nobuyuki Gomi has participated in other forms of drama, he's particularly interested in playback theatre. He founded the theatre troupe Muhosha, in 2005 and directs the production Yume Miru Kikai (literally 'dream-making machine/opportunity'), which was first performed last year in Japan.
Gomi was swept off his feet watching the Theatre Troupe GIGA's performance of Das Gauklerm?rchen. The experience sparked his interest in the performing arts and he was later inspired to join GIGA. .
'I was really attracted to the moment,' Gomi, 26, tells Young Post through a translator. 'Seeing real people acting, right in front of me was what did it for me.'
As part of the annual showcase, Small Theatre Big Drama Asia Dialogue 2012, Muhosha will perform two shows in Hong Kong this Friday and Saturday. The annual event gives smaller Asian theatre companies the chance to work together, share ideas and have a platform for open dialogue. It also gives them a venue for performing in front of a broader audience.