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Non-Verbal Theatre GEAR in Kyoto

The first made-in-Japan non-verbal theater. Though small, it has been running for a long time, which is unusual among Japanese theaters.

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Gear is a non-verbal theater where the performance uses no words. Pantomime, magic, breakdance, juggling, etc. are combined with projection mapping technology in this original new entertainment made in Japan.

The touching story begins in an abandoned toy factory in the future. Doll, one of the dolls used to be produced there, meets Roboroids, human-shaped worker robots at the factory, and the interaction with them helps Doll become more humanized.

Besides the performance that doesn’t depend on words and the sophisticated story, each character is played by multiple casts, which leads to attractive, different combinations of roles in each performance - about 3600 kinds in total.

More than 3,000 performances have been done in the past 10 years, attracting more than 250,000 visitors. After breaking the record for small theater performances, it is still going strong, offering entertainment like nothing else. This is not a boom but one established culture in Kyoto.

The attraction is not just the performing arts. The 1928 Building, which houses the permanent small theater art complex, is a retro architecture designed by Goichi Takeda and completed in 1928. This Kyoto City's registered cultural property is said to be the masterpiece of Goichi Takeda. Not only those interested in architecture, but also regular visitors can appreciate the beauty of the Art Deco style building.

Highlights

  • The first non-verbal theater originated in Japan.
  • The small theater is entering its 10th year, which is the longest run in Japan’s small theater history.
  • Outstanding performance of pantomime, magic, breakdance, juggling, etc.
  • A realistic stage set that is really close to the audience is the advantage of this permanent small theater.
  • The retro building that houses the theater is the masterpiece by Goichi Takeda.

Photos

  • Realistic stage with full of tricks and gears

    Realistic stage with full of tricks and gears

  • The latest technology renders fantastical light and vision

    The latest technology renders fantastical light and vision

  • Dynamic performance staged so close to the audience

    Dynamic performance staged so close to the audience

  • Even though there is no dialogue, you will be mesmerized

    Even though there is no dialogue, you will be mesmerized

Reviews

1
  • 雪兒

    每日新聞社辦公大樓的舊址,結合了魔術特效的表演,連舞台燈光都弄得很好,看完覺得很值得。

Details

Name in Japanese
ギア-GEAR-
Postal Code
604-8082
Address
1928 build. 3F 56 Benkeiishicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-254-6520
Holiday
For performance schedule, see the official site
Hours
For performance schedule, see the official site
Admission
S-seats7,200 yen, A-seats 5,200 yen, B-seats 3,600 yen
*Student rates and limited-time discount plans are available. Please check the official website for details.
Directions
1) from Hankyu Kyoto Line, Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, Exit #9, walk 8 min
2) From Keihan Main Line, Sanjo Station, Exit #6, walk 8 min
3) From Kyoto City Subway, Karasuma Line/Tozai Line, Karasuma Oike Station, Exit #5, walk 10 min.
4) From Kyoto City Subway, Tozai Line, Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, Exit #1, walk 7 min.
5) Ride Kyoto City Bus, Route 4, 5, 17 or 205, get off at Kawaramachi Sanjo bus stop, and walk 3 min.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)