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Shidou Rei

しどう れい

Shido Rei

Pen Names: Shidou Rei（Collective pen name used by Gekidan Aoi Tori when the troupe creates works collectively. Used as the byline when all members participate in writing and directing.）

Profile

Gender
Unknown
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Residence History
Tokyo, Japan

Career

Occupations
playwright, director, theatre collective (pen name)
Active Years
1974-
Affiliations
Gekidan Aoi Tori (Aoi Tori Theatre Company)

Awards

Kinokuniya Theatre Award (Individual Prize)
1986
Category: 個人賞
Organization: Kinokuniya Theatre Award
Result: winner
Tokyo Journal Theatre Award
1992
Organization: Tokyo Journal Theatre Award
Result: winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Before the Curtain with Beautiful Clouds

1975 Theatre play

One of the troupe's inaugural productions. An early example of ensemble devised theatre performed solely by women.

collective creationfemale perspective

Boiled Egg: Your Huge Pure Bare Feet

1987 Theatre play

A representative work from the period when pieces were credited to Shidou Rei. Noted for experimental and poetic expression.

experimental theatrepoetic expression

Final Edition: Boiled Egg

1993 Theatre play

Produced in 1993. After this work, the troupe increasingly diversified its creative methods, with more pieces credited to individuals.

boundaries between collective and individual creationevolution of creative methods

Bibliography

  • Nakayoshi Reader: The World of Gekidan Aoi Tori
  • Stories Majestic: Shidou Rei Play Collection
  • Aoi Tori's Fluttering Gaze

Style & Themes

Literary Style
devised-by-ensemble scriptmakingparticipatory and experimental theatrical methodspoetic and symbolic expression
Recurring Motifs
collective authorship credited as 'Shidou Rei'closing unified bow 'Ichidō rei!'female-centered directorial perspective

Legacy

Gekidan Aoi Tori and the collective pen name Shidou Rei gained attention for their unique ensemble creation method (the so-called 'Aoi Tori method'), influencing experimental theatre and ensemble practices in Japan.

Quotes

  • Ichidō rei! (A bow by all)
    Source: Custom from Gekidan Aoi Tori performances

Trivia

  • Shidou Rei is the collective pen name of Gekidan Aoi Tori used when the troupe jointly authored works.
  • The troupe was founded in 1974 and is known as an all-female theatre company.
  • In 2001 the organization was reorganized and incorporated as 'Aoi Tori Sogyo', but the troupe name remained unchanged.