Actor Honoka Matsumoto will be appearing in the play "Much Ado About Nothing" which will be performed at Setagaya Public Theater (Setagaya Ward, Tokyo) from May 25th. The play is based on William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" and is adapted and directed by Koki Mitani. This is Matsumoto's first time performing in a "Koki Mitani work," and he shared the atmosphere of the rehearsal room.
The stage will feature Yo Oizumi, Rie Miyazawa, Ryo Ryusei, Katsumi Takahashi, Rie Minemura, Shota Matsushima, and Hajime Yamazaki. The stage will feature the "Mitani comedy" of the ancient capital of Kamakura, and Matsumoto said, "It's a very warm and fun rehearsal space."
"This may be rude to my seniors, but everyone is really lovely and it's a very comfortable set. Many of the people on set are my parents' generation, and I find myself thinking, 'I wish I had a father like that' (laughs). In particular, Katsumi Takahashi, who plays Rie Miyazawa and my father, is my favorite (laughs). I can't help but laugh even in scenes where I shouldn't, so figuring out how to keep from laughing is also a challenge for me."
Regarding Miyazawa, who plays her sister, she revealed, "We talk a lot at the rehearsal hall, and she gives me a lot of advice every day."
"She kindly gives me specific advice, saying things like, 'You used to tell me that too, and it helped me a lot,' or 'You should do it this way,' and it's really helpful. I think our bond is getting stronger every day, so I'd be happy if everyone could see that as the bond between sisters. Oizumi-san also talks to me about all sorts of things, and I get to talk to her about things other than acting as well."
Matsumoto, who excitedly said, "The conversations with Mitani and Oizumi during rehearsals were like a battle of words and were a lot of fun!", has been much inspired by them at the rehearsal hall.
"When I watch everyone rehearsing, even the same play and the same lines are subtly different each time, and I can see that each of them is acting freely and enjoying themselves. I think that's really wonderful, and I feel that this is what makes theater so amazing. Every day I feel incredibly happy to be able to take part in it!"
