‘Tonari no To to ro Totoro To to ro Totoro…’
A tale of tender friendship between two sisters and mystical forest spirits: My Neighbor Totoro is a timeless classic. Originally a 1988 Studio Ghibli production written and directed by the legendary Shizuka Hayao, RSC’s theatre adaptation (adapted by Tom Morton-Smith) took center-stage at the Barbican Theatre, in London recently.
A one-of-a-kind comical adventure with a trickle of Shinto philosophy, accompanied by giant puppets, what’s not to love? This ingenious theatre adaptation maintains the storyline while weaving in both realistic and melodramatic moments. The actors’ passion and raw emotion were a much-needed refreshing breath. The difficult roles of the young children Satsuki, Mei and Kanta were portrayed with such conviction. The puppetry throughout was imaginative with abstract aspects: the delicate dance and frantic frenzy of the soot flies and the crowd of hens next to the field of swaying corn as well as the spectacular animated puppets of Massive O-Totoro, and little Chu Totoro & Chibi Totoro.
Kenta was undoubtedly one of my personal favourite characters, right from the start when he shouts ‘your house is being haunted’ at Satsuki. Another of my favourite lines had to be “Everybody, try laughing. Then whatever scares you will go away!” by Tatsuo Kusakabe, the father comforting his daughters.
One of the principal features of the stunning set design was the enchanting wooden house that spun on the stage, seamlessly shape-shifting with the help of experienced puppeteers. The interior of the house delicately mirrored traditional Japanese architecture – tatami floors, fusuma and shoji sliding doors. The props and costumes were also remarkably accurate to the setting: – post-war rural Japan in the 1950s - sailor school uniforms, kimonos, slippers and the decrepit truck.
Elevated high up in the treetops, the musical ensemble was an integral part of the production, mirroring fear, shock and ecstasy, moving the story along and creating little bursts of humour and awe. The mystical mood created by the harmony of the violin and flute among several orchestral instruments was intriguing and relaxing. Show-stopping singer Ami Okumura Jones’ mesmerizing rendition of the songs including Sanpo, Path of the Wind and Tonari no Totoro left the audience entranced by her honeyed voice and innate musicality. The masterpiece of a soundtrack accredited to Joe Hisashi was a true delight.
The whole experience was like being caressed by healing hugs, reminiscent of fond childhood memories and I really hope it comes back to theatres soon!
‘Mori no naka ni Mukashi kara sunderu
Tonari no To to ro Totoro To to ro Totoro
Kodomo no toki ni dake Anata ni otozureru
Fushigina deai...’
