Chiten Theatre's The Gambler is a frenetic, visually striking adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky's 1866 novella, which tells the story of Alexei Ivanovich, a roulette addict who wagered his publishing rights on completing the book to pay off his debts. Watching this production will leave you breathless, especially if you're not familiar with the plot.
Delivered in Japanese at breakneck speed, the show features a dizzying array of kooky dancing, spinning sets, and onstage rock trio Kukangendai adding to the theatrical onslaught. The production is constructed from fragments of Dostoevsky's text, which charts Alexei's financial and romantic fortunes as he tutors for a family.
The set design is particularly noteworthy, with Itaru Sugiyama's roulette-wheel creation spinning furiously not just by its own mechanism but also through the increasingly frenzied pushes of an exhausted Alexei. Above the wheel, a circle of LEDs glows in series, tracking the roulette ball on which so many fates hang.
Director Motoi Miura takes a stylized approach to dialogue and movement, emphasizing characters' financial precarity with chest-tightening effect. The cast is ably led by Takahide Akimoto as Alexei, whose ferocious monologues reveal the depths of his obsession with roulette and the danger that lies within.
Satoko Abe shines as Grandmother, bringing much-needed humour to the production, while Mademoiselle Blanche's deadpan delivery adds a layer of complexity to the plot. The show is not for those who enjoy watching characters develop through their relationships; instead, it focuses on the panicked slog of addiction.
Ultimately, The Gambler is an immersive experience that will leave you gasping for air. If you're willing to dive into its frenetic world, you'll be rewarded with a thrilling ride through the highs and lows of Alexei's chaotic life.
Delivered in Japanese at breakneck speed, the show features a dizzying array of kooky dancing, spinning sets, and onstage rock trio Kukangendai adding to the theatrical onslaught. The production is constructed from fragments of Dostoevsky's text, which charts Alexei's financial and romantic fortunes as he tutors for a family.
The set design is particularly noteworthy, with Itaru Sugiyama's roulette-wheel creation spinning furiously not just by its own mechanism but also through the increasingly frenzied pushes of an exhausted Alexei. Above the wheel, a circle of LEDs glows in series, tracking the roulette ball on which so many fates hang.
Director Motoi Miura takes a stylized approach to dialogue and movement, emphasizing characters' financial precarity with chest-tightening effect. The cast is ably led by Takahide Akimoto as Alexei, whose ferocious monologues reveal the depths of his obsession with roulette and the danger that lies within.
Satoko Abe shines as Grandmother, bringing much-needed humour to the production, while Mademoiselle Blanche's deadpan delivery adds a layer of complexity to the plot. The show is not for those who enjoy watching characters develop through their relationships; instead, it focuses on the panicked slog of addiction.
Ultimately, The Gambler is an immersive experience that will leave you gasping for air. If you're willing to dive into its frenetic world, you'll be rewarded with a thrilling ride through the highs and lows of Alexei's chaotic life.
it's like whoa! they took Fyodor Dostoevsky's novella and turned it into this insane, visually stunning show 
the set design is to die for, esp that roulette wheel spinning thing 
and the cast is on point 
Takahide Akimoto as Alexei is giving me LIFE 
satoko abe as grandmother is hilarious 
mademoiselle blanche's deadpan delivery tho... mind blown 
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. And Mademoiselle Blanche's deadpan delivery? Genius! The whole thing just feels like a wild ride, like being trapped in Alexei's chaotic world with no escape 
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). It's raw, it's intense, and it'll leave you gasping for air. So if you're up for a thrilling ride through the highs and lows of Alexei's life, then The Gambler at Chiten Theatre is definitely worth checking out 
The dancing, spinning sets, & rock trio Kukangendai are insane!! 
! He pours his heart out in those monologues... it gives me chills just thinking about it. 
The set design is mind-blowing too - the way the LEDs glow above the roulette wheel is like magic 
. If u're ready for a thrilling ride, then this show is for u! Just be prepared to hold ur breath 
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). The choreography is insane and I'm here for more of those crazy dance moves 
. Takahide Akimoto as Alexei brings so much energy to the role, his monologues are like a wild rollercoaster ride 
.
the set design is insane, i mean who needs dialogue when u can just have spinning sets & crazy dancing 
but seriously tho, it's like they're trying to make u feel the desperation of alexei's addiction... Takahide Akimoto's performance is EVERYTHING 
i was literally gasping for air during the whole show 
. I'm not usually one for watching a show that focuses on addiction and financial struggles, but this one had me hooked from start to finish 
. It's like they're pulling you into Alexei's world and refusing to let go 
! Dostoevsky's classic is like an adrenaline shot - fast-paced, intense, and not for the faint hearted 
. Set design is insane, like a spinning top on steroids 
️!
, feels a bit too intense for my taste.
That's what The Gambler is all about, man! It's like, we can all relate to Alexei's struggles with addiction and financial insecurity. But the thing is, he doesn't give up 
. He keeps pushing forward, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. And that's the lesson here: sometimes you gotta keep going, even when things get crazy 
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And the cast is so talented! Takahide Akimoto really nails Alexei's desperation, and Satoko Abe is hilarious as Grandmother 
. It sounds like The Gambler is not for everyone, but if you're in for a wild ride, it might just be what you need 
. I'd love to see this show, but maybe not if I need a calm experience 
... does anyone know how long tickets are available? 
... Takahide Akimoto's performance is definitely on point though 
... and Satoko Abe bringing some much-needed laughs as Grandmother is a highlight 
But what really stood out to me was the cast's performances. Takahide Akimoto as Alexei just nailed his character's desperation and obsession... it was like watching someone spiral out of control 
. Would love to see more productions tackle this topic in a similar way...