- In your opinion, what are the main differences between theaters in Tokyo and overseas?

Noda

If you go to the West End, the theater district in London, or Broadway in New York, the excitement doesn't end even after you leave the theater, because there are so many other theaters. A festival should offer this kind of enjoyment, which is along the lines of: "I saw a good play, left the theater and found more plays. I want to see that play next." This kind of attitude doesn't exist in Tokyo today, let alone Japan. It doesn't only apply to theaters. Culture itself simply lack the power to interest people.

Ninagawa

As we hear more and more about the global recession, we feel like spending less and less, and we limit ourselves to seeing just one play when we would normally see three. We should be proud of our culture and must keep investing in it. This is how a mature society operates. For this reason, a festival should fulfill its proper functions.

- Apart from F/T, there will be events like Roppongi Art Night and Yebisu International Festival for Art and Alternative Visions. Do you have any other ideas for sharing culture?

Noda

Primary schools that have closed downcould be used venues for plays as well. We should use all these schools for cultural purposes, since they occupy large spaces and their buildings are in good locations in Tokyo. At the moment, they let us use them for rehearsals, and I'm sure that we will be well-received by the local communities as well.

Ninagawa

When we go shopping in towns where we are rehearsing, we can make friends with local people. One of the secondary effects of a play is a connection with the local community. Sometimes I get free bananas from a grocer because I make an effort to be friendly. How about you, Mr. Noda?

Noda

The owner of the Chinese restaurant near the Geinokadensha [a facility for training people in the performing arts], which uses the closed-down school in Shinjuku, comes to see our plays.

Ninagawa

The metropolitan streets should be available for many more purposes, such as open-air theater. For example, the main streets in Edinburgh are used for parades.

Noda

They perform plays in strange places in London. I saw an interesting Shakespeare play that took place in an empty swimming pool. The audience watched the play from the side of the pool. When an actor was bleeding, the blood flowed down because the bottom of the pool sloped slightly. Just this idea was a good enough reason to use the pool.

- Has the theater industry been affected by the economic crisis?

Noda

Having been involved in the theater for 30 years, I really appreciate the relationship I have with my audience. They come to see my plays even in these times. If culture has an underlying strength, this must be it. When I studied in London in 1992, the country was suffering from a major recession. The strength it used to overcome the situation came from an absolute confidence in its culture. That is why it was able to recover again.

Ninagawa

But it doesn't mean that the theater is resistant to downturns. Nowadays there are too many types of entertainment. When it comes to the theater, you have to go to a certain place, at certain time, on a certain day to see something. It can be very bothersome, but if you go, you will meet people. You have to hold on to the belief that you will meet people if you go. I would like us to treasure this belief.

Noda

Good food can only be served by a chef. You have to go to the person at a certain time. The food can only be served to a limited number of people. This might be a frequently cited example, but it is similar to a play. You may be able to watch a play on video, but it is only video after all. If the plays of young people have lost power these days, it is probably because they are far too used to this type of media.

- It takes time and effort to go to a play, but the impression it leaves you with is strong.

Noda

A theatrical space generates something like a synergistic effect. When the actors' performance improves all of a sudden, the audience shows a greater appreciation. Then the actors step up to a new level and the play becomes something completely different from what it was the day before, creating a more pleasing environment. But this doesn't necessarily mean that it will be repeated the next day. This is regrettable, but it is also the prime attraction of the theater. Once you get a taste of this as a member of the audience, you will continue coming to the theater in order to enjoy this atmosphere. Unfortunately, sometimes you're unlucky.

Ninagawa

That's why some people like to go and see a play on opening night, even though the performance is frequently not the best, just to feel that tension.

- I hope that this happens many times at F/T.

Ninagawa

I hope so, too.