Knowing little of what to expect from Tokyo Trilogy other than a collection of old Japanese stories, one could be forgiven for struggling to keep up with the modern, fast moving, and at times confusing series of events. As it was next to impossible to identify any kind of discernible plot, it is very difficult to relay a summary. However, what can be described is the depiction of three intertwining stories involving all five members of the energetic cast.
Firstly we encounter a woman who no longer sleeps, but instead spends that time learning new skills and placing herself in dangerous situations. Though this story feels somewhat incomplete - the tale is mainly a list of all her nighttime activities - it is portrayed imaginatively by the performers who physically create the bed of the woman, the car she drives in, and the stories she reads. The actress who takes on the role of the sleepless woman is particularly strong; her acting gives the tale gentility and softness, despite its overtly modern setting.
Next we encounter a newly wed couple, bickering, surreal, and trying to solve the curse of the Wagner-induced bakery attack (I said it was surreal). At this point the plot becomes even more complicated and the audience get lost, swept away in the beautifully enacted yet complicated narrative. The final part involved a department store man, confessing his sexual desires to a woman who has complained to the shop.
Surreal and confusing, it would take a special type of audience to appreciate this kind of show, especially since the finished result bears little resemblance to the booklet description of old Japanese stories. Thankfully, today's audience appeared to enjoy the creative way this piece was staged; amusement and applause were rife. Interesting, creative, and enthusiastic Tokyo Trio should be commended for its risk taking attitude and successful execution, if you can decipher what is happening...
