Gekidan Shinkansen—Japan’s Theater Company, Final Performance of Basarao to Stream in 5 Countries on October 17

Written by　Kazuki Nakashima 　Directed by Hidenori Inoue
Toma Ikuta　Tomoya Nakamura / Nanase Nishino　Macoto Awane / Ryo / Arata Furuta

GEKIDAN SHINKANSEN, one of Japan’s most talked-about theater groups, has announced that the final performance of its latest production, BASARAO, will be live-streamed in five countries overseas: the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Singapore!

BASARAO is a picaresque drama featuring an all-star cast, set in the Nanboku-chō period of Japan. The story follows a man who uses his striking beauty to rise to power. The rapidly unfolding story of betrayal and counter-betrayal, combined with GEKIDAN SHINKANSEN’s signature blend of high-energy sword fighting, music, and dance, has thrilled audiences, selling out every night and receiving standing ovations at each performance.

The script is by resident playwright Kazuki Nakashima, known for his work in both theater and anime. Recently drawing attention for his work on the upcoming animated film Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League (Warner Bros. Japan), Nakashima brings his trademark flair for entertainment to this unpredictable, twist-filled story.

The production is directed by GEKIDAN SHINKANSEN’s leader, Hidenori Inoue, who uses concert-style lighting and rock-inspired music to create a breathtaking world that leaves audiences in awe. The cast is led by Toma Ikuta and Tomoya Nakamura, supported by a lineup of Japan’s top actors known for their talent and popularity.

The highly anticipated final performance of this stage production will be live-streamed not only in Japan but also in five countries overseas!

GEKIDAN SHINKANSEN, a one-of-a-kind entertainment group in Japan, presents its latest production, BASARAO. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy it via live stream!

■Basarao Overseas Live Streaming

Countries: The U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Singapore

Streaming Time: The stream begins at 11:30 AM (JST) on October 17, with the show starting at 12:00 PM.
In Japan, archived streaming will be available until 11:59 PM (JST) on October 17. However, due to time differences, the overseas stream will be extended until 12:59 PM (JST) on October 18.
(Extended viewing is available only for overseas audiences.)

◎ Streaming times by country (local time):
US: October 16, 2024, 10:30 PM – October 17, 11:59 PM (Eastern Daylight Time)
Canada: October 16, 2024, 6:30 PM – October 17, 7:59 PM (Alaska Daylight Time)
UK: October 17, 2024, 3:30 AM – October 18, 4:59 AM (British Summer Time)
Singapore: October 17, 2024, 10:30 AM – October 18, 11:59 AM
Australia: October 17, 2024, 1:30 PM – October 18, 2:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Price: Streaming tickets are ¥5,000 (tax included), with payment processed via credit card at the applicable exchange rate for each country.
Ticket sales period: October 12, 2024, 12:00 PM – October 18, 2024, 8:59 AM (JST)

Streaming site: PIA LIVE STREAM
https://ticket.Pia.jp/piasp/inbound/basarao24engpls.jsp
*There will be no subtitles for the show.
Official site: http://www.vi-shinkansen.co.jp/basarao/LV/
Contact: http://t.Pia.jp/sp/inbound/faq.html#faq8

Production Overview
Title: Gekidan Shinkansen BASARAO
Staff: Written by Kazuki Nakashima, Directed by Hidenori Inoue
Cast: Toma Ikuta Tomoya Nakamura / Nanase Nishino Macoto Awane / Ryo / Arata Furuta
Official Website: http://www.vi-shinkansen.co.jp/basarao/
Dates & Venues: FUKUOKA 7/7~8/2 HAKATAZA Theater
TOKYO 8/12~9/26 MEIJIZA Theater
OSAKA 10/5~10/17 FestivalHall

STORY
Basarao
“I live as I please. with this ‘face’.”

In an era of turmoil and betrayal, the Shogunate and the Emperor clash.
Two men live on the island nation of Hinomoto.
Kairi (Tomoya Nakamura), a former shogunate spy who has defected and fled, encounters the striking Hyuga (Toma Ikuta), who is throwing a banquet called “Basara” under the Mad Cherry Blossoms, surrounded by beautiful women.
Officials from the Shogunate arrive at the scene, attempting to rescue the women who were drawn to Hyuga and left their
homes. But the women merrily attack the officials and flea. Hyuga watches this calmly.
“To die for me is the ultimate bliss. The Shogunate that gets in the way should be crushed.”
Surprised and captivated by those words, Kairi decides to become Hyuga’s strategist. The two pledge allegiance under the blooming Mad Cherry Blossoms.
Meanwhile, in Kamakura, Regent Kitataka (Macoto Awane) meets the female feudal Lord Sakido (Ryo), who offers to punish Hyuga. On the way to the Kyoto office, Sakido tries to assassinate Hyuga but finds herself enchanted by his gaze, leaving her vulnerable.
Hyuga counter offers to take the head of Gonomikado (Arata Furuta), who is in exile, and tells her to wait for the Emperor’s head in Kyoto.
Hyuga visits Gonomikado on Okinoshima. The moment he tries to capture the emperor, Akino (Nanase Nishino), Gonomikado’s guard, shoots an arrow at Hyuga. However, Gonomikado, also mesmerized by Hyuga’s eyes, once again becomes the symbol of overthrowing the Shogunate. Together, they advance toward the capital city of Kyoto.
The new reign of Gonomikado begins, as ambitions and schemes intertwine in a web of intrigue.

“The Basara banquet continues. As long as my light remains.”
Swallowed by a dazzling light, individuals fall into the cycle of beauty.
Will they arrive in hell, or perhaps paradise?
The Basara banquet is about to unfold—.

With beauty as his weapon, a man plotting to rule will disrupt this world!

Gekidan Shinkansen
The must-see theatrical company in Japan that has continued to sell out for over 40 years.
With original content spanning genres such as period drama, manga, authentic kabuki, rock, action and comedy, it is truly an all-round Japanese entertainment spectacle!