A mother investigates the brutal crimes committed against her daughter and son-in-law, a samurai, in this reimagining of the iconic short story that inspired the film Rashomon.
Schools: This play is ambitious for schools. Some material may be objectionable, and some students (and parents) may be sensitive to central themes and elements within.
SYNOPSIS
Synopsis
Masago, a maiden, is missing and her samurai, Takehiko, is dead. As her mother investigates the brutal crime, she encounters numerous versions of what happened on that fateful night in a haunting cedar grove. Set in 12th-century Japan and written as a highly theatrical piece with mask work, dance, and Noh-inspired movement, The Grove of Rashomon is a reimagining of the iconic short story that inspired the Akira Kurosawa film Rashomon.
QUOTE
More Info
Characters:
Himiko, the Priestess – Our humble guide with ulterior motives. Also can double as the Masked Maiden after the first scene.
Chiyoko, the Mother – A passionate, upper-class woman with a desperate need to find her daughter.
Isamu, the Woodcutter – A laborer who loves his family. Also can double as the Masked Samurai after the first scene.
Shokini, the Bounty Hunter – A drunkard and braggart; ultimately a coward. Also can double as the Masked Cutthroat after the first scene.
Tajomaru, the Cutthroat – A heartless, violent criminal. He cares not for his life or anyone else’s. Should play the Masked Cutthroat in the opening scene only.
Takehiko, the Samurai – A proud, overwhelmed husband who is paralyzed by his shame. Should play the Masked Samurai in the opening scene only.
Masago, the Maiden – A strong, destroyed young women cut down before her time. Should play the Masked Maiden in the opening scene only.
Casting Note:
Minimum: 3F, 4M.
Maximum: 4F, 6M (no doubling for the “Masked” figures).
Setting: A grove and elsewhere, 12th-century Japan.
Performance Royalties are based on theater particulars. Please fill out an application for a personalized quote.
Billing responsibilities, pertinent copyright information, and playwrights' biographies are available in the show rider that comes with your license agreement.
Materials: your materials will be sent to you two months prior to your opening date and will include everything necessary for your production and can be ordered in Printed or Digital format. Printed Materials are provided on unbound three-hole punched loose-leaf paper while Digital Materials are provided via email as downloadable PDF files for you to print in-house. All materials are yours to keep! No deposits, no returns.
The required materials for The Grove of Rashomon include:
Production Scripts
Available Products:
Wicked Lit Print Edition – The beautifully designed anthology, available at wholesale costs to sell in your lobby!
Director's Script – Single-sided script with space for director’s notes.
Logo/PR Pack – Includes high-resolution artwork and reference photos. Also, ready-designed posters, reviews and pull quotes, if available.
GALLERY
Gallery
Available Products
The Grove of Rashomon
by Jonathan Josephson
adapted from In a Grove by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa
PDF Perusal Script of THE GROVE OF RASHOMON. Download instantly in the "My Products" or “My Perusals” section of your account. Not intended for production purposes.
| Product | Description | Price |
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PDF Perusal Script of THE GROVE OF RASHOMON. Download instantly in the "My Products" or “My Perusals” section of your account. Not intended for production purposes. |
$3.00 |
