Melbourne Fringe Festival: Netsuke and Inrō

Not sure about opera? This suggestive new operatic work by Scott A. Aschauer is sure to wet your appetite.

Combining elements of Japanese noh and kabuki with Italian opera, Netsuke and Inrō follows the story of the impoverished samurai Gorō; his debauchery consumed his life and passion eroded his soul.

In the pleasure district of 吉原 (Yoshiwara) in Japan’s capital of Tokyo, Gorō makes a final visit to his favourite ‘teahouse’ of dubious reputation using money that was meant to be set aside for his daughter. There he meets a handsome American trader named Mr Jenkins who takes an interest in a small ivory lion and lacquered box suspended from Gorō’s sash. The netsuke carving and lacquered inrō inspires obsession for the American trader as Gorō is distracted by his own desires.

The work features an authentic hand-carved noh mask and an antique netsuke and inrō set crafted by skilled artisans in Japan.

Join Victoria’s finest young operatic talents as they come together for a thrilling evening of original Australian opera in St Kilda.

This project is amplified by Michael Watt and Cecilie Hall as part of Melbourne Fringe’s ShowSupport.

Personnel:

Jennifer Timmins – Flute

Scott A. Aschauer – Composer/Tenor

Estelita Rae – Violin

Amogh Ananth – Violin

Ben Nicholson – Cello