Tsutsui Tokujirō


Tsutsui Tokujirō was a Japanese performer born in Osaka, Japan.

Career

Tokujirō began his performance career at 19, performing in a shinpa troupe led by Fukui Mohei :23
In 1920 he formed a troupe of actors, which toured the Kansai region, though they also had several shows in Asakusa.:23 As part of the troupe he 'established a solid reputation in kengeki 剣劇 swordplay dramas."

Western tour

The Tsutsui Troupe was one of the first groups to bring traditional Japanese performance to the United States and Europe. They presented a series of works based on Kabuki plays 'in a mélange of styles with an emphasis on swordplay to appeal to audiences.':154, n.192

United States

Under the production of Itō Michio The troupe performed In Los Angeles at the Figueroa Theatre in February,:154 and at the Booth Theatre in New York City in March and April 1930.:344

Europe

They went on to perform at the Théâtre Pigalle in Paris from May–June 1930.:344 The performances were attended by seminal directors such as Jacques Copeau, Charles Dullin, and Vsevolod Meyerhold.:154, n.192 The troupe then travelled to London for performances at the Globe Theatre on 24 June 1930.