What I liked
The lead samurai (Jonathan Huynh Mast) was amazing at portraying an honor bound boyscout. The maid (Yukari Black) stole every scene she was in. Easily the best character. Added much needed humor to the show. The graceful dancing of Tomoko Karina who plays the titular character Shizuka was also great. I also appreciated that one ninja scene, easily the highlight of whole thing.
What I didn't like
To improve this play would be to rewrite the love story. It felt shallow and a tad patriarchal. I understand times back then were oppressive but this read like Japanese Romeo and Juliette. I need stronger motivations than just “your hot.” Alternatively, if that’s your only reason for being together then accentuate those characteristics, make sure the audiences get shown just how shallow these characters. I don’t like love at first sight stories. Shizuka herself had no agency. Don’t make her a damsel in distress. And the love interest when he first appeared i thought he’s a nice guy but as the play went on i saw he was a “nice guy.” I just really didn’t like how there whole love story was portrayed.
I also didn’t like the lack of comeuppance on the villain. There is one character (the servant to the emperor i think) who is clearly a villain. He was manipulating both the lead samurai and the emperor, yet faces no consequences. Furthermore i couldn’t tell who was the emperor. They introduce 2 dynasties (represented by the colors red and black) yet after the introduction the red clan is never brought up again. On top of that the main emperor shown is wayyy too young for the role. Honestly the guard and the emporer should’ve switched roles. The guard to the lead samurai with the staff (Tony Kim) would’ve made a much more believable emperor and made the story easier to follow. Rulers should not be played by young people.
Final criticism: throw in more fights. There was 1 scene with a ninja and that was it. Play into that more. Last year Ghost of Tsushima won “Game of Year” the people want more cool samurai stuff. You guys carry swords for gods sake, the audience is going to want a sword fight. If you don’t plan on using your weapons then do not carry them. Seriously the whole time i was waiting for the lead and the emperor’s servant to duke it out. But it never came. Honestly disappointed.
My overall impression
Japanese Romeo and Juliette. If you are a fan of Shakespeare then this is for you.
