Author Archive Shawn Mahler

Interview with Will Taylor, General Union

Working in the deepest, darkest offices, meeting rooms and work spaces is Will Taylor, acting Chair for the Tokai Branch of the General Union. Will is always hard at work fighting the good fight for worker rights. The GU is expert at negotiating on behalf of employees who are faced with the oft confounding and belaboring work conditions in Japan. If you’re in need of council regarding a workplace situation please contact Will and the GU. And please remember the GU is membership based, so it’s advised to become a member before you have a problem. Your chances of a satisfactory resolution will be that much higher.

Thank you Will for the interview. To get us started, could you tell us a little bit about your history with Nagoya Players?

I’ve been around the Nagoya Players in one capacity or another for a few years now, since sheesh, 2008 now that I think about it. I started out as a replacement for an actor who had to leave The Boys Next Door, then did the sound design work for The Red Oni Cried, acted again in Three Guys One Pub, directed Anger (an adaptation of 12 Angry Men)…other behind the scenes stuff…just all kinds of stuff really.

So, you’ve been an actor and director? Which did you enjoy more? Why?

To be honest I don’t rightly know. I like knowing about the nuts and bolts of stuff, how the sausage is really made, so to speak, so directing, doing backstage stuff definitely interested me, but it is also a boatload of emotions. Acting is stressful in a way, but also relatively straightforward? You focus more on one job.

Now please tell us about your work with the GU? How did you get involved? And what exactly do you do?

I’ve been with the GU since around 2011 I think. I joined when I was working with a large dispatch company that rhymes with Similac. I grew up in Chicago, which has a history of strong unions and union activism, particularly the Teacher’s Union there. I decided to get more involved since as I mentioned, I like knowing how stuff works, and learning more about how labor laws work (or in many cases don’t work) here has helped me help others. I am the chair of the Tokai Branch, which mostly involves trying to help people wade through issues with their employer, or educate people about the rights they have. Japan has a number of surprisingly progressive labor laws, just poor enforcement of them, and a tendency to discourage people from speaking out.

Where does your passion for defending workers’ rights come from? It’s a rather thankless job at times and can come with a lot of headaches and stress. Why do you do it?

Workers deserve to be treated with respect. Before coming to Japan, I used to do some volunteer work with a labor law clinic in the South Bay Area in California. It was maddening seeing what employers would try to get away with simply because they thought they could intimidate people, bully them, or simply pull the wool over their eyes. I really hate that sort of shit (pardon the language).

So, we know the GU stands up for workers rights. But it has also stood up for the arts. The GU has a history of supporting Nagoya Players and we’re very happy to have your support again. Could you please share with us your thoughts on community theater and why you’ve chosen to support it?

Nagoya Players is a wonderful resource for the arts. It’s a real community theater, drawing on people from any background, foreign or Japanese, regardless of skill or talent (I knew jack and shit about acting before doing it), and welcomes anyone willing to just try to do stuff. It helps people find what works for them, and gets them together. I love that. I think we need that more than ever these days, you know? Putting on a show is an enormous task, god knows I know it, but the way teams pull together to do it is really a beautiful thing.

You’re a dad now, a full time teacher and serving as Chair for the Tokai Branch of the GU. What do we need to do to entice you back onto the stage?

Create more hours in the day? I confess I get the itch every once in awhile, but I think my wife would seriously consider stabbing me if I added more things to my plate. Maybe once the kid starts elementary school and is wrapped around my leg a little less XD

Thank you for your time Will. And thanks to all the wonderful people at the GU for all the amazing work they do.

For more information on the GU and to become a member:

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/GeneralUnionJapan/

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/general_union_japan/

Homepage
http://www.generalunion.org/

Sing in English Workshop

(English Below) 名古屋プレイヤーズとIPEアカデミーの共同企画 Sing in English ワークショップにお邪魔してきました。このワークショップでは「Up On The Housetop」というクリスマスソングを練習しています。背筋を伸ばして、かっこよく立つ方法、声の出し方、発音の仕方などを丁寧に指導。頑張って歌詞も覚えてきてくれました。

このパフォーマンスは12月8日(日曜日)東文化小劇場で公演の英語劇「賢者の贈り物」の前座で出演することになっています。牧島先生の合唱団5人も加わり、12人の子供たちと大きなサンタさんが可愛らしいオープニンを飾ってくれることでしょう。

チケットは、キャスト、クルー及びIPEアカデミーより
または、オンライン及びチケットぴあ(P-Code 495-574)でもご購入いただけます。

TicketPia
https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=1927526

We recently stopped by to visit the kids participating in Nagoya Players and IPE Academy’s Sing in English Workshop. For the past few weeks they’ve been learning the lyrics and how to sing the Christmas classic Up on the Housetop. And as a special bonus, they’ll get to perform the song live at the NP’s The Gift of the Magi.

These guys are adorable and very hardworking! It’s going to be super fun having them open the show for us. The Sing in English kids will be our warm-up act for the Sunday, Dec. 8th 12:00 performance. A special treat for anyone attending that show!

Tickets still available from Cast, Crew and Show Supporter IPE Academy.
Also available online and at select convenience stores via TicketPia, P-Code 495-574.

TicketPia
https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=1927526

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Interview with Gift’s Tap Dancers, Jeff & Chiharu

(English Below) ダンスインストラクター ジェフ フリッチ氏は名古屋とアメリカにて20年以上に渡りダンスの指導をして来ました。特にタップダンスに特化し、友人でもあり生徒でもある坂本千春さんと共に数々の舞台で踊ってきました。彼らのダンスは魅力的で楽しませてくれます。
このベストコンビの二人が名古屋プレイヤーズ「賢者の贈り物」に出演していただけることになり、インタビューでは2人の軌跡や舞台について語ってくれています。

彼らの楽しいダンスをお楽しみください。

チケットは、キャスト、クルー及びIPEアカデミーよりご購入いただけます。
オンライン及びチケットぴあ(P-Code 495-574)でもご購入いただけます。

Dance Choreographer Jeff Fritch has been teaching and training dancers in Japan and the US for over two decades. Jeff is tap dance specialist and one of his best students (and good friend) is Chiharu Sakamoto. Together Jeff and Chiharu have put on several tap performances and they always have something surprising up their sleeves!

Jeff and Chiharu have teamed up to perform a specially choreographed routine for Nagoya Players’ The Gift of the Magi. In this interview they discuss their backgrounds and the work they’re doing on the play.

Don’t miss out on this very fun and entertaining performance!

Tickets available from Cast, Crew and Show Supporter IPE Academy.
Also available online and at select convenience stores via TicketPia, P-Code 495-574.

TicketPia
https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=1927526

「賢者の贈り物」バイリンガル絵本•The Gift of the Magi Bilingual Picture Book


(English Below)

2ヶ国語の絵本「賢者の贈り物」は何ヶ月もの時間をかけ、芸術と教育の専門家が力を合わせ心を込めて作り上げました。この絵本を通して子供達が英語学習の楽しさを知り、舞台芸術を楽しんでもらえることを願っています。

最初に絵本の英日版を発表しますが、タガログ語、フランス語、スペイン語など他の言語による絵本もここ数週間中に順次発表致します。

さらに上のレベルの絵本も鋭意制作中です。こちらは中高生向けで英検に出てくる文法や語彙もカバーしています。

イラスト及び美術を担当してくれたウェイン・ウィルソン氏には心から感謝致します。個性豊かな画風と絵で物語を伝える才能において彼の右に出る者はいないでしょう。

また日本語翻訳と編集を担当してくれた高橋かがり氏と、校正編集を担当してくれた松島良子氏にもお礼申し上げます。

絵本は自由にダウンロードして使って下さいご利用ください。この本が愛知から日本を越え世界中の教室やご家庭で読んでもらえることを願っています。

絵本で「賢者の贈り物」を学び、実際の英語劇を見て生きた英語に触れてください。公演は12月7・8日名古屋市東文化小劇場にて上演されます。

チケットのご購入は:

・チケットぴあ P-Code: 495-574
・今池IPE アカデミーにて販売
・キャスト及びスタッフから直接購入

It’s been a labor of love putting together our newest education offering. The Gift of the Magi Bilingual Picture Book is the product of months of hard work by a dedicated team of artists and educators. We’ve designed this book to motivate children and support them with their English studies. We want to get them excited about the world of theater and arts.

This first release is the English-Japanese version of the text. Additional languages like Tagalog, French, Spanish and more will be coming out soon over the next few weeks.

A more advanced edition is also being prepared. It will be aimed at Jr High School and High School students with a focus on grammar and vocabulary found in the Eiken exam.

We’d especially like to thank Wayne Wilson for being our illustrator and artist. His unique style and ability to tell story through image is second to none.

We’d also like to thank Kagari Takahashi for providing the Japanese translation and being a very precise and thoughtful editor. And to Yoshiko Matsushima as well for her proofing and editing.

The book is FREE to download and use. We hope that it will make its way into classrooms and living rooms across Aichi, Japan and the world.

After reading the book and learning the story, please join us for the live performance Dec. 7-8th at Higashi Playhouse.

http://nagoyaplayers.org/shows/the-gift-of-the-magi/

Tickets available via:
TicketPia, P-Code 495-574
IPE Academy in Imaike
Cast & Crew

Interview with Gift’s ‘Della’, Atsumi Yamamoto

(English below)

山本温美さんと『イソップ物語』及び『賢者の贈り物』を一緒に作ることができ、本当に嬉しく思います。
彼女は、様々な点で、私共コミュニティの素晴らしい一例です。

アツミはナゴヤプレーヤーズに参加する前まで、あまり多くの舞台経験はありませんでしたが、熱心に、且つ真摯に練習に取り組み、彼女はどんどん上達していきました。彼女は現に、『賢者の贈り物』の主演を手にしています!

アツミは、ナゴヤプレーヤーズでの経験について、快くインタビューに答えてくださいました。私共は彼女を誇りに思います。彼女は、明らかに、英語能力及びパフォーマンス共に大きな成長を遂げています。

12月7日、8日に東文化小劇場で上演される『賢者の贈り物』にデラ役で出演するアツミを見に来てください。

チケットは、キャスト、クルー及びIPEアカデミーよりご購入いただけます。
オンライン及びチケットぴあ(P-Code 495-574)でもご購入いただけます。

It has been an absolute pleasure working with Atsumi Yamamoto on both Aesop’s Fables and The Gift of the Magi. She is in many ways a model member of our community.

Atsumi didn’t have much stage experience before joining Nagoya Players, but through hard work, dedication and practice she has improved her skills considerably. She is actually taking on a lead role in The Gift of the Magi!

Atsumi was kind enough to be interviewed about her experience with Nagoya Players. We’re so proud of her. She really has come a long way with both her English abilities and performance.

Watch Atsumi on stage as Della in The Gift of the Magi, Dec. 7-8, Higashi Playhouse.

Tickets available from Cast, Crew and Show Supporter IPE Academy.
Also available online and at select convenience stores via TicketPia, P-Code 495-574.

TicketPia
https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=1927526

クリスマスキャロルワークショップ•Christmas Carol Workshop

(English on Page 2)

名古屋プレイヤーズとNagoya Union Church (NUC) は、この度共同で11月24日にクリスマスキャロルワークショップを開催致します。私たちの「歌とお話とお祈りの夕べ」にぜひお越しください。

マイケル・ラーソン牧師がいくつかのクリスマスキャロルにまつわるお話を英語で語って下さいます。それらは全て名古屋プレイヤーズが制作中の劇「賢者の贈り物」に出てくる歌です。次に名古屋プレイヤーズのコーラスグループが素敵な歌を披露します。皆さんも一緒に歌って下さいね!

ワークショップは15:00に始まり約45分間です。次に続く礼拝の時間は16:00~17:00で、その後NUCのご厚意によるフェローシップサパー(軽食)が供されます。

この催しは無料でどなたでも自由に参加できます。ぜひお越し下さい!ただお席には限りがありますので、名古屋プレイヤーズのHPから今すぐにお申込み下さい。

イベントの詳細
日時:2019年11月24日(日)15:00-15:45
参加費:無料で
場所:Nagoya Union Church


〒461-0002 愛知県名古屋市東区代官町22−12

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    NUCに「賢者の贈り物」のオフィシャルサポーターになっていただき心より感謝しております。NUCは英語で礼拝を行っており様々な国の人々が集う教会です。どなたも心から歓迎致します。毎月の集会では讃美歌を歌い、祈りを捧げて神を称えます。祈りには様々の形があります。神への祈り、自省の祈り、そして他者への祈りです。NUCはこれらの祈りが日々行われる事を願っています。信者同志の絆、聖書の研究及び共に祈る事を通して、それぞれの祈りはイエスキリストの御心を体現したものになっていきます。もっと詳しくお知りになりたい方は、下記のHPをご覧ください。

    http://nagoyaunionchurch.com/

    この「歌と祈りと学びの集い」をぜひ一緒に楽しみましょう!

    Pages: 1 2

    The Gift of the Magi & The Spirit of Christmas

    (日本語ページ2)

    In the hustle and bustle of daily life it’s easy to forget the things that truly matter. O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi is an old story but an everlasting and refreshing one. It’s only a few pages long but the message is strong and clear:

    And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest.

    — The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

    The greatest gift we can give to each other is the gift of ourselves. To sacrifice what is dear and special to us for the happiness of another holds more meaning and value than anything money can buy.

    We live in a cynical age, where people are quick to tear down old beliefs and lambast tradition. Things evolve quickly and progress can easily wipe away old cultures. I believe O. Henry saw this too in the early 1900s as he sat down to write his famous tale. And while I’m an advocate for change, I also see clearly the importance of holding onto beliefs that highlight the beauty in humanity.

    Christmas is an ever-changing holiday. A lot of what has made it special has sadly faded away over time. It is now, unfortunately, associated with notions of materialism and commercialism, which were never its original intent. Christmas is a time for reflection. A time to put the needs of others before our own. A time to give the gift of ourselves.

    These thoughts were the inspiration for choosing The Gift of the Magi as Nagoya Players’ 2019 winter production. We wanted to capture all these ideas and feelings through a dynamic stage performance.

    The characters of JIM and DELLA are our vehicles to deliver this message. Show Photographer Geof Griggs captured the magic between these two timeless characters. Pictures speak a thousand words, and these photographs tell the story well. This is just a taste of what we have planned for the stage this December. To get more of that loving feeling please join us for the performance on Dec. 7-8 at Higashi Playhouse.

    Special thanks to Mami Ito Delaney for being an awesome production assistant on a drizzly, cloudy day. She’s also the brilliant graphic designer for our amazing show flyer. And praises to Valeriya Takazato for the awesome make-up job. You’ll get to see more of Valeriya on stage as our vixen cabaret dancer SADDIE. She’s a graceful and vivacious performer, don’t miss it!

    And one more special thanks to Handa Red Brick Building (半田赤レンガ建物) for allowing us the use of their historic and fascinating space for the photo shoot.

    For more information on the The Gift of the Magi please visit:
    http://nagoyaplayers.org/shows/the-gift-of-the-magi

    Tickets available from Cast, Crew, IPE Academy and TicketPia (P-Code 495-574)

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    Pages: 1 2

    Act in English at Saorina

    This past year Nagoya Players has been working with performers and educators to design shows and programs that cater to the needs of our local communities. One area we felt could use some attention was English performance activities for youth. Veteran NP performer Biagino Cristiano joined us as acting coach and English instructor for our new workshop series for children, Act in English.

    Biagino lead a special, limited-time, summer camp at Saorina in Tsu-City, Mie Prefecture. The camp ran for a total of ten days. Children learned the basics of theater performance and were led through a series of warm up exercises to strengthen the body, enhance the power of their voices, improve pronunciation and learn how to express emotion.

    Each session was an energetic hour of cooperation games, scene work and English practice. The children learned a short play, The Animals and the Plague based on the famous fable by Aesop. On their tenth and final day they gave a mini-performance to an audience of very proud moms and dads. Upon completion of the camp they received their acting certificates and some of them now believe they’re ready for the big stage!

    Act in English: Saorina was a huge success. Biagino will be running his own workshop inspired by the Act in English curriculum called, Drama in English in Kameyama, Mie on select dates from September to November. For more information please visit Biagino’s school website, Matsusaka English:

    http://matsusakaenglish.com

    Act in English is a part of Nagoya Player’s English Education Initiative.The Act in English workshop is also available on an ongoing basis in Nagoya city at Show Supporter IPE Academy, in Imaike. Please visit their website for more information:

    http://ipeacademy.com/eigogeki/act-in-english

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    Auditions•オーデション: Thornton Wilder’s ‘Our Town’

    (日本語 ページ2)

    Nagoya Players is pleased to present the staging of the American classic Our Town in July of 2020 and would like to announce auditions.

    ABOUT THE SHOW

    Our Town by Thornton Wilder is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that has become one of America’s best known and most beloved shows. The story centers on the residents in the small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. It’s a story of the ‘every-town’, a place we are all familiar with. Grover’s Corners represents core values shared by communities and cultures all across the world.

    The show is performed in three Acts, with each act embracing the themes of Life, Love and Death.

    Wilder’s writing has been praised for his beautiful delivery of universal truths. He speaks clearly and openly about what it means to be human. Our Town is a wonderful combination of humor, wisdom and sincerity. It is a fantastic show to experience live and a story that will stay with you forever.

    SEEKING

    All roles are open and all are welcome. Experience is a plus, but by no means a requirement. Auditions will be comprised of short readings from the script — which will be provided — and a discussion of the play: it will be advantageous for you to familiarise yourself with the play before hand.

    Rehearsals will be held on Sundays from mid-February and you would be required to make yourself available at those times.

    Should you be interested, please contact us by filling in the form below.

    We look forward to hearing from you.

    Regards,
    Matt D Smith, Director

    AVAILABLE ROLES

    CHARACTERROLELOOKGENDERSIZE
    GEORGE GIBBSCountry Teenagerplays ages 17~Early 20sMaleLead
    DR GIBBSCountry Doctor40sMaleLarge
    MRS GIBBSHomemaker30s+FemaleLarge
    REBECCA GIBBSLittle Sister5~10Female ChildSmall
    MRS WEBBHomemaker30s+FemaleLarge
    WALLY WEBBLittle Brother5~10Male ChildSmall
    MRS SOAMESTown Gossip30s+FemaleSmall
    SIMON STIMSONTown Drunk30s+MaleSmall
    JOE CROWELL, JRPaperboy10~16Male ChildSmall
    SI CROWELLPaperboy10~16Male ChildSmall
    CONSTABLE WARRENCountry Police30s+MaleSmall
    SAM CRAIGCousin20s+NeutralSmall
    JOE STODDARDUndertaker30s+MaleSmall

    AUDITIONS

    Auditions will be held:
    Saturday, Oct 05, 10:30-19:30, Uchiyama Community Center
    Sunday, Oct 06, 10:30-19:30, IPE Academy

    Actors will be asked to perform a short scene from the play. Audition materials will be provided beforehand. An audition will take approximately 30 minutes.

    This is an Open Call. We are looking for performers of all levels. Beginners are welcomed. Our shows are designed to give opportunities to first-timers. Training and skill development is offered throughout the course of the production.

    Space is limited so please RSVP by filling out the RSVP form below. Scheduling will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. We will also be taking sign-ups for cast, crew and volunteers.

    Uchiyama Community Center
    1 Chome-4-15 Uchiyama, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken 464-0075

    IPE Academy
    Clean Building 2A, 14-13 Hōnenchō, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0076

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      SHOW

      Our Town will be performed July 4-5, 2020 at Chikusa Playhouse. The show will be approximately 120 minutes in length. Tech and Dress Rehearsal is July 3. Performers will also need to be available on this date.

      REHEARSALS

      Rehearsals will be scheduled from Mid-Feb to July 2020, primarily on weekends. Sundays are preferred. Rehearsals occur weekly and attendance is required. We typically rehearse from 3-5 hours per session. If you’d like to take a role in the show, please make sure your weekends are flexible from Feb-July.

      ENGLISH COMMUNICATION

      This is an excellent opportunity for anyone studying English or drama. Nagoya Players holds meetings, discussions and rehearsals in English with native speakers. You only need basic English conversation skills to participate. We also have many Japanese speakers in the group that can help with communication.

      Pages: 1 2

      IPEアカデミー 松島よしこ インタビュー

      (English on Page 2)

      IPEアカデミーは名古屋で最も長くオープンしている英会話教室の一つで、松島よしこさんはその経営と運営、指導を担っています。本業で忙しい毎日を送っている中、名古屋プレイヤーズのために多くの協力をいただき、2015年公演「サイキック」を始め、2019年「イソップ物語」12月公演「賢者の贈り物」の制作にあたり、プロダクション マネージャーとして活躍いただいています。



      職業は何ですか?

      名古屋市千種区今池にて創業39年のIPEアカデミーという学校を経営しています。IPEアカデミーでは幼児から大人までどなたでも無理なく学べる英会話クラスと、名古屋では珍しい外国人講師が英語で指導する子供のためのアートクラスや、0歳児から参加できるママ・パパ一緒のミュージッククラスも開催しています。そして、もっと珍しいのが外国人のための日本語教室を運営し、日常会話指導と日本語能力検定試験対策も行っています。



      名古屋プレイヤーズに参加するようになってどのくらいになりますか?

      2014年「アンガー」、2015年「サイキック」、2019年「イソップ物語」、「賢者の贈り物」今回で4作目となります。

      過去20年くらいにわたり、名古屋プレイヤーズのキャストの人たちが、IPEアカデミーで日本語を学ぶうちに、彼らをサポートするために劇場に足を運ぶようになりました。具体的に演劇活動のお手伝いをするようになったのが、まさに現監督ショーン・マーラーがIPEで日本語のレッスンを受講したことがきっかけとなりました。そして、この英語劇がもっと日本人の英語学習者に役に立つようになればと願い積極的に活動に参加しました。先回の公演「イソップ物語」は多くの子供達に英語を学ぶきっかけや英語環境を提供したと思います。



      職業を持ちながら、ボランティア活動に参加するために、どのように時間を作っていますか?

      仕事中の隙間、仕事の後、そして、休みの日(特に日曜日)はほとんど名古屋プレイヤーズのために時間を割いています。メンバー皆さんが大きな目標に向かって頑張っているので、私も自分ができることで貢献したいと思いっています。



      あなたの役割は何ですか?

      プロダクション・マネージャーというタイトルをもらい、字幕、広告、宣伝、ソーシャルメディアの日本語訳や、イベントの企画、リハーサルの手配など、プロダクションの仕事をしています。今後は劇場活動だけではなく、学習支援が必要な子供達への活動を広げていきたいです。名古屋プレイヤーズを通して、日本の未来を担う子供達を育て、助けることができれば本望です。



      自分自身、舞台に立ったり、演劇制作をしてみたいと思いますか?

      全くありません。自分の本業で多忙の日々を送っているのに加え、趣味でフラダンスを長年学び、舞台に上がることも多く1日が24時間以上あってほしいと願うほどですから。

      3年後5年後には名古屋プレイヤーズはどのように発展していくと思いますか?

      今後は演劇活動だけではなく、社会貢献、子供の育成、英語教育促進に活動範囲を広げていく予定なので、ますます名古屋プレイヤーズの認知度は高まり、成長し、経済的にも安定して活動が継続できるようになっていくでしょう。



      この度はこのインタビュー企画に賛同頂きありがとうございました。
      また、松島よしこ先生の支援のおかげで名古屋プレイヤーズの活動がますます発展して行っていることに心から感謝しています。

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      インタビュー:Allan Van Der

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