Keralino Sandorovich and Tamaki Ogawa's Unit "Kemuri Kenkyusho" Opens Tokyo Run of New Play "Cactus Smile" at Theatre Tram!

Inspired by Kunio Kishida's short play "Before the Greenhouse," this production is a conversational drama that depicts the inner lives of a brother and sister who have lived in isolation from the outside world, through the lens of a romantic turmoil that befalls them. While the unit has built grand fictions across various genres—from romantic comedies and absurdism to dystopian works—this new production is a deliberate attempt at a "small story."

The year is 1928 (Showa 3). Gaku and Sorako, a brother and sister, live alone in a grand Western-style house in the suburbs of Tokyo. The brother grows plants in a greenhouse, and the sister takes care of everything for him. While they live a life of comfort supported by their parents' inheritance, they cannot shake a sense of loneliness. However, signs of change appear in their lives with the arrival of a couple they have long known, Hinode and Mayumi, and Toba, an old friend of Gaku's who is a successful writer.

Living isolated from society, the relationship between the two is almost like that of a married couple. Comforted by records, acknowledging their solitude...

From the opening scene, which depicts just over ten minutes of interaction at the turn of the year, their intimacy and eccentricity are laid bare. Even as the visitors bring in the winds of the outside world and begin to unfold a romantic drama, the pair's behavior remains unsophisticated and, at times, peculiar. Yet, at the same time, they are filled with a kindness that considers each other's love lives, and a frankness and purity that comes from being unworldly, gradually exerting a charm and magnetism that makes it impossible to look away. The laughter sparked by the unpredictable behavior of the unique visitors and the way the siblings are swayed by them only makes the nature of this brother and sister seem all the more poignant and endearing.

While the setting of the era and the human relationships may give the impression of being old-fashioned and modest, the human expressions and emotions depicted are incredibly fresh, and even sensual. In other words, there is a pleasure unique to theater here: the ability to witness and closely observe the workings of living human beings.

Comments from Kemuri Kenkyusho and the cast arrived upon the opening.

◆ Kemuri Kenkyusho (Keralino Sandorovich + Tamaki Ogawa) We created this work by cherishing the private time within the play. It was an opening day where we could feel that the audience received that and were enjoying it with focus. We are filled with deep emotion and gratitude. "Cactus Smile" is a destination reached after pursuing the complex flavor that exists between happiness and unhappiness. The entire cast and staff are delivering it with all our hearts. Please come and see it.

◆ Koji Seto If you can move toward your own happiness little by little, even if you change or don't change, or take detours, that is enough. Such clumsy people are very lovely. I will cherish the freshness of the performance until the final show.

◆ Saori Seto Opening day has arrived. I am looking forward to seeing how the work grows from here. I am waiting for you at the theater.

◆ Shin Shimizu I was unusually nervous in the wings, but I enjoyed it very much. I reaffirmed that a play is something that 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, other than for my own works. It is a very naive work, so I will do my best to live on stage with all my might without getting used to it.

◆ Masato Hagiwara Successfully!! Everyone has a good face!? The curtain has risen!! It was worth the suspense, haha.

◆ Keiichi Suzuki Having reached the opening day, I am impressed by the power of theater. The reason is that the consideration and the detailed care of the performers and staff have a different weight than in the music world. It is the terrifying fun of immersing oneself in that.

The Tokyo run will be performed at Theatre Tram until April 19, followed by a tour to Hyogo, Toyohashi, Kitakyushu, and Niigata.

For the Tokyo performances, same-day exchange tickets are on sale at Ticket Pia until 3 hours before the start of the performance. Same-day tickets will also be sold at the theater reception from 1 hour before the start of the performance, provided there are seats available.

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

Performance Overview <What is Kemuri Kenkyusho?> A theatrical unit launched in 2020 by playwright, director, and musician Keralino Sandorovich and actor Tamaki Ogawa. They work hand-in-hand on planning, casting, and many other parts. To date, they have performed "Basil Town's Goddess" (2020/Setagaya Public Theatre, etc.), "The Woman in the Dunes" (2021/Theatre Tram, etc.), "I Got Sleepy" (2023/Setagaya Public Theatre, etc.), and "Basil Town's Goddess" (Revival/2025/Setagaya Public Theatre, etc.). This work is their 5th production.

<Kemuri Kenkyusho no.5 "Cactus Smile" Performance Overview> Written and Directed by: Keralino Sandorovich Cast: Tamaki Ogawa, Koji Seto, Saori Seto, Shin Shimizu / Masaaki Akahori, Masato Hagiwara / Keiichi Suzuki

[Tokyo Performance] March 29 (Sun) - April 19 (Sun) Theatre Tram Organizer/Inquiries: Cube 03-5485-2252 (Weekdays 12:00-17:00)

[Hyogo Performance] April 24 (Fri) - April 26 (Sun) Hyogo Performing Arts Center Organizer: Cube / Hyogo Prefecture, Hyogo Performing Arts Center Cooperation: Ricomotion Inquiries: Performing Arts Center Ticket Office 0798-68-0255 (10:00-17:00 / Closed Mondays, or the following day if a holiday)

[Toyohashi Performance] April 29 (Wed/Holiday) Toyohashi Arts Theatre PLAT Main Hall Organizer: Cube Co-organizer: Toyohashi Culture Foundation Inquiries: Cube 03-5485-2252 (Weekdays 12:00-17:00)

[Kitakyushu Performance] May 2 (Sat) - May 3 (Sun/Holiday) J:COM Kitakyushu Performing Arts Center Medium Hall Organizer: Kitakyushu City Foundation for Culture and Arts Co-organizer: Kitakyushu City Inquiries: J:COM Kitakyushu Performing Arts Center 093-562-2655 (10:00-18:00)

[Niigata Performance] May 9 (Sat) - May 10 (Sun) Ryutopia Niigata City Performing Arts Center, Theatre Organizer: Niigata City Foundation for Culture and Arts, TeNY Television Niigata Inquiries: Ryutopia Ticket Dial 025-224-5521 (11:00-19:00 / Excluding closed days)

Planning: Kemuri Kenkyusho (Keralino Sandorovich + Tamaki Ogawa) Production: Cube

Latest performance information: https://www.cubeinc.co.jp/archives/theater/kemuri-no5 X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/cube_stage