Toulouse-Lautrec: The Musical @ C Aquila

Japanese musical theatre veteran Jun Sawaki presents a condensed version of his one-man homage to 19th Century artist, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Sawaki is the first to admit that imagination may be required to recognise him as a thirty-something French ‘midget’ (his words, not mine) who, at first, seems an unusual choice of subject. However, from the beginning, it’s clear that the performer has a real interest in the life of this underdog.

The musical is performed in Japanese and English on alternate days and, whilst I can only guess what the English version might be like, I would strongly recommend seeing the show as it was intended. The English translation is helpfully projected onto a canvas which forms part of a minimalist set and it’s worth knowing that there is potential for giggling in parts, at the almost child-like bluntness of the lyrics.

Questionable translations aside, Sawaki is infectiously enthusiastic as he portrays each character with equal panache; his expression and command of the stage are fascinating to watch. The accompanying musician contributes just as much passion to the performance, and it probably wouldn’t have been the same without him. If you’re at all interested in the life of Toulouse-Lautrec - or are simply looking for a different way to spend an hour - this surreal cultural fusion is worth a look.