Keralino Sandrovich x Tamaki Ogawa Unit 'Kemuri Kenkyushitsu' New Work 'The Cactus's Smile' Opens in Tokyo at Theatre Tram!

This work, inspired by Kunio Kishida's short play 'In Front of the Greenhouse,' is a dialogue play that depicts the inner lives of a brother and sister who have lived in isolation from the outside world, through a romantic entanglement that befalls them. The unit, which has consistently built grand fictions ranging from romantic comedies to absurd plays and dystopian works, has dared to aim for a 'small story' with this new piece.

The year is Showa 3 (1928). Siblings Gaku and Sorako live alone in a magnificent Western-style mansion on the outskirts of Tokyo. The brother cultivates plants in a greenhouse, while the sister takes care of him. While they live comfortably on their parents' inheritance, they cannot shake off a sense of loneliness. However, the arrival of an old couple, Hinode and Mayumi, and Gaku's old friend, the successful writer Toba, signals a change in their lives— — .

The relationship between the two, living isolated from the world, is like that of a married couple. They find solace in records and acknowledge their loneliness... From the opening act, which depicts just a few minutes of interaction over New Year's, their intimacy and peculiarity are revealed. Even as the visitors bring in the winds of the outside world and a romantic drama unfolds, their behavior remains unpolished, sometimes eccentric... yet, at the same time, they possess a kindness that considers each other's romantic pursuits, and a directness and purity that comes from being unworldly, gradually exuding an irresistible charm and magnetism. The laughter that arises from the capricious behavior of the unique visitors and the siblings' reactions to them makes the siblings' situation even more poignant and endearing.

Although the setting of the era and human relationships might seem old-fashioned and modest, the human expressions and emotions depicted are incredibly fresh, even sensuous. In other words, it offers the unique pleasure of theater, allowing us to witness and closely observe the activities of living human beings.

Comments from Kemuri Kenkyushitsu and the cast have also arrived for the opening.

◆ Kemuri Kenkyushitsu (Keralino Sandrovich + Tamaki Ogawa) We carefully crafted the private moments in this production. The opening day felt like the audience received that care and were watching with focus and enjoyment. We are filled with emotion and gratitude. 'The Cactus's Smile' is the result of pursuing the complex flavors found between happiness and unhappiness. The entire cast and staff are delivering this work with all our hearts. Please come and see it.

◆ Koji Seto It's okay if people change or don't change, as long as they gradually move towards their own happiness, even if it's a roundabout way. Such clumsy people are very endearing. We will perform with freshness until the final performance.

◆ Saori Seto The opening day has arrived. I am looking forward to seeing how the play will grow from here. We await you at the theater.

◆ Shin Shimizu I was nervous for no reason, but I really enjoyed it. It reaffirmed that acting is completed when it reaches the hearts of the audience.

◆ Masaaki Akahori This might be the first time I've felt such relief after an opening night for a play other than my own. It's a naive work, so I will do my best to live on stage without getting complacent.

◆ Masahito Hagiwara Successfully!! Everyone had good faces at the curtain rise!! It was worth the anxiety lol

◆ Keiichi Suzuki Upon reaching the opening day, I am deeply impressed by the power of theater. Why? Because the consideration and meticulous attention from the performers and staff carry a different weight than in the music world. It's the fascinating terror of being immersed in it.

The Tokyo performances will run until April 19th at Theatre Tram, followed by a tour in Hyogo, Toyohashi, Kitakyushu, and Niigata.

Same-day exchange tickets, purchasable up to 3 hours before curtain time at Ticket Pia, are available for the Tokyo performances. If seats remain, same-day tickets will also be sold at the theater's reception desk starting 1 hour before curtain time.

For the latest performance information and ticket details, click here → https://www.cubeinc.co.jp/archives/theater/kemuri-no5

Performance Overview

Kemuri Kenkyushitsu is a theater unit founded in 2020 by playwright, director, and musician Keralino Sandrovich and actor Tamaki Ogawa. They collaborate on planning, casting, and many other aspects. To date, they have staged 'The Goddess of Basil Town' (2020/Setagaya Public Theatre, etc.), 'The Woman in the Dunes' (2021/Theatre Tram, etc.), 'Got Sleepy' (2023/Setagaya Public Theatre, etc.), and 'The Goddess of Basil Town' (revival, 2025/Setagaya Public Theatre, etc.). This work marks their 5th performance.

Script and Direction: Keralino Sandrovich Cast: Tamaki Ogawa, Koji Seto, Saori Seto, Shin Shimizu/ Masaaki Akahori, Masahito Hagiwara/ Keiichi Suzuki

【Tokyo Performances】 March 29 (Sun) - April 19 (Sun) Theatre Tram Host & Inquiries: CUBE 03-5485-2252 (Weekdays 12:00-17:00)

【Hyogo Performances】 April 24 (Fri) - April 26 (Sun) Hyogo Performing Arts Center Host: CUBE / Hyogo Prefecture, Hyogo Performing Arts Center Cooperation: Ricomotion Inquiries: Hyogo Performing Arts Center Ticket Office 0798-68-0255 (10:00-17:00 / Closed Mondays, except holidays)

【Toyohashi Performances】 April 29 (Wed, Holiday) Hotaka Toyohashi Arts Theatre PLAT Main Hall Host: CUBE Co-host: Toyohashi Cultural Promotion Foundation Inquiries: CUBE 03-5485-2252 (Weekdays 12:00-17:00)

【Kitakyushu Performances】 May 2 (Sat) - May 3 (Sun, Holiday) J:COM Kitakyushu Arts Theatre Mid-sized Theatre Host: Kitakyushu City Arts and Culture Promotion Foundation Co-host: Kitakyushu City Inquiries: J:COM Kitakyushu Arts Theatre 093-562-2655 (10:00-18:00)

【Niigata Performances】 May 9 (Sat) - May 10 (Sun) Ryuto Pia Niigata City Performing Arts Center Theatre Host: Niigata City Arts and Culture Promotion Foundation TeNY TV Niigata Inquiries: Ryuto Pia Ticket Dial 025-224-5521 (11:00-19:00 / Closed on holidays)

Planning: Kemuri Kenkyushitsu (Keralino Sandrovich + Tamaki Ogawa) Production: CUBE

For the latest performance information, click here → https://www.cubeinc.co.jp/archives/theater/kemuri-no5 X (formerly Twitter) here → https://x.com/cube_stage