Gamarjobat :: Japan-Fashion.com

An ordinary day in Fall. A dull breeze held my tired outfit by the lapels as I stood waiting opposite a cheap diner on the bustling Jingumae intersection. On an enormous plasma screen above, I could see "them" giving a public performance from an evening just a week earlier. Slowly crowds of people began to look upwards, soon joined by other inquisitive eyes - all gazing as one at the spectacle being reflected above.

"Hello" he greets in Kartuli.
Traditional Japanese theatre, such as Kabuki and Noh have become the niche pursuits for a select audience whilst the small stage shows known as "little theatre" are renowned for their stern conditions.

Carrying the notion that there are no walls between the creative, I went to Gamarjobat's show half expecting to catch a glimmer of some of Japanese theatre's conventional features.
Moments later I noticed what a mistake I made.

Gamarjobat
Having toured over half the world, 2007 saw the Japanese duo finally bring their pioneering act to home turf. Whether it be Japan, the UK or Malaysia however, Hiropon and Ketchi have not been bound by the din of language or location, for their unique show is based solely upon the art of pantomime and silent comedy. Appealing to the universal sense of humour, they're able to make people laugh without uttering as much as a single word. By just wondering around a small stage, ignoring time and stage adornments, the sold out venue offers proof enough of their unnerving talent.

KETCH! & HIRO-PON

A Gamarjabot performance is truly a land where everyone is laughing without borders of language or nationality.

HIRO-PON
"The fascinating thing is that although the reactions from people abroad differ from those of Japanese, wherever you go the children all respond the same. Is that the poison of culture?"

KETCH!
"Pantomime still evokes stereotypes among many of being difficult, sad and tedious - not just in Japan but also overseas. So with our shows, we want to wash away that tainted image and reveal all the amusing things about it. For instance, the people who saw pantomime for the first time today said that they didn't realize it was this funny and now want to watch more. In that way, I hope we can act as a gateway to this wholly new experience."

Although up to now Gamarjobat have based their act upon the stage, in recent months they have also taken to enlivening the huge screens of Tokyo.
Distinguished from their stage performances by the various flavours of facial expressions, the double act wish to make more and more interesting works through this medium.
Performing in a variety of realms and critically acclaimed across the world, the silent duo continue their exploration and enhancement of what is thought to be "creative".

During the writing of this article, Hiropon and Ketchi have begun yet another world tour. If they happen to venture to a town near you then I highly recommend you pay them a visit for your life will become all the more radiant for it.

We met during a break, moments after they left a stage where laughter and inspiration had so fondly met. Although this was an interview, it was easy to forget I was working as deep insight and sincerity answered questions short of words, the seriousness of it all revealing their true nature and leaving me a little dazed.
I was a washout as an interviewer.
Probably because I became too much of a fan.

Japan-Fashion.com
translation: Ashantha