Aoyama Sugisaku

Director and actor. Born in Shiun-ji Temple (now Shibata City), Otani-ha Shinshu, Kita-Kambara County, Niigata Prefecture. His real name was Tatsumi. In 1909 (Meiji 42), he entered the philosophy department of Waseda University, but later switched to the English department and dropped out. During his time at Waseda, he performed in the new theater of the time, and in 1917 (Taisho 6), he formed the "Toro-sha" with Murata Minoru and others, and began naturalistic theater activities. He also joined the Eiga Geijutsu Kyokai, and directed, produced, and performed in the early days of Japanese movies. In 1924, he participated in the founding of the Tsukiji Little Theater, where he became a de facto acting instructor and mentored Higashiyama Chieko and others. After the company disbanded, he was involved in training the Shochiku Girls' Opera Company. In 1944 (Showa 19), he formed the Haiyuza Theatre Company with Senda Koreya and others. In addition to directing, acting and mentoring the next generation, he also contributed to opera direction. He placed great importance on rhythm in directing and acting, and made a great contribution to establishing the tradition of modern realistic theater.

[Hideji Ishizawa]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

演出家、俳優。新潟県北蒲原(きたかんばら)郡の真宗大谷派紫雲(しうん)寺（現、新発田(しばた)市）に生まれる。本名達美(たつみ)。1909年（明治42）早稲田(わせだ)大学哲学科入学、のち英文科に移り、中退。早大時代に当時の新演劇に出演、1917年（大正6）に村田実らと「踏路(とうろ)社」を結成し自然主義演劇活動をおこす。また映画芸術協会に参加、日本映画草創期の監督、製作、出演もする。1924年築地(つきじ)小劇場創立に参加、実質的演技指導者となり、東山千栄子らを育てる。解散後は松竹少女歌劇団の養成指導などにあたった。1944年（昭和19）に千田是也(これや)らと俳優座を結成。演出、演技、後進の指導のほか、オペラ演出にも貢献した。演出、演技のリズムを重視し、近代写実演劇の伝統づくりに多大な功績を残した。

［石澤秀二］

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