218. The Cup | Interview with Toshi Aoyagi (Cinema Kabuki)

Welcome back to the 218th episode of The Cup which is our a weekly (give or take, TBD, these are unprecedented times) performing arts talk show presented by Cup of Hemlock Theatre. With the theatres on a come back we offer a mix of both reviews of live shows we've seen and continued reviews of prophet productions! For our 218th episode we have a new artist interview. This particular conversation was hosted by our Co-Artistic Producer Ryan Borochovitz and features Program Officer of visual and performing arts for The Japan Foundation, Toronto, Toshi Aoyagi. Join these two as they discuss Cinema Kabuki, an annual event in which filmed versions of kabuki plays are presented for Torontonian audiences as well as traditional Japanese artforms, complicated gender dynamics, and bridging cultural divides. Cinema Kabuki will be screened in three instalments at the TIFF Lightbox (350 King St W, Toronto, ON), on February 23rd, 2025. Tickets to the screenings can be purchased from the following link: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/cinema-kabuki-2025-toronto/ Register for the Kabuki Talk Series: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/kabuki-talk-series-2025/ CONTENT WARNING: This interview contains brief allusions to suicide and sexual violence against women, contained entirely within a segment discussing the kabuki play Princess Sakurahime (approximately from 50:40 to 55:30). Viewer discretion is advised. Follow The Japan Foundation – Instagram: @jftoronto // Website: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/ Check out the Yōkai Netsuke Exhibition (extended into March by popular demand) – https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/yokai-netsuke-exhibition/2024-10-17/ Check out Toshi’s recent interview with A View from the Box (which we referenced in this interview) – https://aviewfromthebox.net/2025/02/01/stage-door-dialogues-toshi-aoyagi-of-cinema-kabuki-at-the-japan-foundation/ Follow Cup of Hemlock Theatre on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @cohtheatre If you’d like us to review your upcoming show in Toronto, please send press invites/inquiries to [email protected]: 0:00 – Intro: 3-for-1 Interview Questions3:40 – Toshi’s Story 9:49 – How Does “Cinema Kabuki” Work?25:12 – Capturing Theatricality on Film 31:05 – Kabuki for Canadians 38:56 – Onnagata: A Fireball of Gender Issues 1:03:38 – Curation 1:11:03 – Talk Series 1:13:34 – What’s Next?