Skip to Content

Juro Kara, rebel playwright behind Japan’s modern underground theater, dies at 84

By YURI KAGEYAMA
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Juro Kara, who helped shape Japan’s postwar avant-garde theater, defiantly yet playfully transforming the essence of Kabuki aesthetics into modern storytelling, has died. He was 84. The playwright, director and troupe leader died Saturday from a blood clot in the brain, according to his theater group, Karagumi. Kara rose to stardom in the underground movement of the 1960s known as “un-gura,” characterized by a kitsch rebellious style. His theater was known as “the red tent,” and their shows would go on wherever the tents went up, most famously in a spot near a shrine in Shinjuku in downtown Tokyo. Funeral arrangements were not set but will be for family and friends.

Article Topic Follows: AP National

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content