[Entertainment Material Regular Delivery] The Work of Komura Settai—As a Stage Designer— Art Exhibition Navi x National Theatre Collaboration Series Vol. 28
This article introduces the stage set designs by Komura Settai held by the National Theatre, focusing on his achievements as a stage designer.Summary
The National Theatre's monthly collaboration series, "Entertainment Material Regular Delivery," highlights a piece from its collection, and this 28th installment focuses on the work of Komura Settai (1887–1940), a versatile artist active from the Meiji to early Showa periods, specifically in his role as a stage designer. Settai was involved in over 200 plays and was trusted by renowned Kabuki actors. The article showcases four stage set designs held by the National Theatre for the play "Tokyo no Mukashibanashi" (Tales of Old Tokyo) by Okamoto Kido, which premiered in 1932. These designs depict various scenes from the play, set between the late Edo and early Meiji eras, illustrating Settai's skill in conveying the theatrical scene through details like the blurring effect on the water surface and the dense foliage of the Tōshōgū Shrine. Although Settai noted the difficulties of stage design compared to illustration, these drawings are beautiful works of art reflecting meticulous effort. The article concludes by promoting the current exhibition, "Ukiyo-e Artists Who Depicted the Times: Utagawa Kunisada III," held at the National Theatre Okinawa.
(Source：美術展ナビ)