Shinichi Tsutsumi: The Art of Acting and Collaboration

Understanding the Importance of Co-Stars

For actor Shinichi Tsutsumi, the key to a successful performance lies not in individual talent, but in the ability to work harmoniously with co-stars. “I think it’s essential to make your co-star feel comfortable working with you,” he explains. “Listen carefully to what the other person is saying, and you will naturally start to see your own role.”

This approach was instilled in him by director David Leveaux, who emphasized the importance of showcasing the relationships between characters rather than individual actors. This philosophy has guided Tsutsumi’s career, earning him the trust of many directors, including Jonathan Munby, with whom he has collaborated on multiple projects.

Exploring the Human Experience through Theater

Despite the challenges of performing in translated plays and classics, Tsutsumi believes that the core of human emotions remains the same across cultures and languages. “Any play depicts human beings, so I think the emotions and movements of the heart remain the same,” he explains.

This philosophy is reflected in his upcoming performance in “A Number,” a two-person play by Caryl Churchill, where he will star alongside Seto Koji. The play explores the complexities of human relationships in a world where human clones have become a reality.

A Number―数

Written by: Caryl Churchill

Translated by: Atsuro Hirota

Directed by: Jonathan Munby

Art and costumes by: Paul Wills

Cast: Shinichi Tsutsumi, Koji Seto, Shunsuke Daito, Kazuyuki Asano and others

The play will run from September 10th to 29th at Setagaya Public Theater.

Fostering a Collaborative Environment

Tsutsumi credits director Jonathan Munby with creating a supportive and collaborative environment that allows actors to explore their roles freely. “Munby is a director who guides me by saying, ‘You don’t have to force emotions. If you just follow the flow of the story, you will naturally feel that way,'” he explains.

This approach has allowed Tsutsumi to grow as an actor and to take on challenging roles, including his upcoming performance in “A Number.” “I’ve never played a character I could sympathize with before,” he admits. “It’s not me, so our values are different, and to be honest, I don’t know. Because I don’t know, I practice and try to get to know the character.”

profile

Shinichi Tsutsumi

Shinichi Tsutsumi / Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1964. Actor. Active in a wide range of fields including stage and film. Recent major appearances include the stage play “Dry Weather and the Five Gentlemen,” the film “Confess Your Sins” (2023), and the dramas “Metsusou mo Nai” (MBS) and “The Boat is a Great Passage” (NHK BSP4K/NHK BS, both in 2024). The film “Muromachi Burai” is scheduled to be released in January next year.