1x1 Pokemon: Rainbow Superstars (WavePearlxSugar)

@Sugar @122 Generation

After receiving their tickets from Miracolore, the group got in line. Luckily, they managed to get up close to the front--the line was beginning to wind around a corner and into the street.

 

@Sugar @122 Generation

"This way, please." An usher leads you down to a block of VIP seating after taking your tickets.

The main theater is just as cool on the outside as it is inside--the iconic red, navy and yellow striped curtain covering the stage looks beautiful.

There's a brief summary of each scene in the program, if you need help following the story

 

@Sugar @122 Generation

The lights flash a five minute warning, then go down.

After a few tense moments, a lady in the traditional green and silver narrator's robe comes out before the curtain, the vina--the traditional Kantonian harp traditionally played by the narrator, cradled in her arms. "Thank you, and welcome to the Marugachi Gekijou." she begins. "If this is your first time seeing a Gekijou performance, allow me to explain a few of the traditions and customs you will see."

 

@Sugar @122 Generation

"First, the narrator--who may or may not be named depending on the play--plays the vina, to add ambiance and character to the spoken words." the narrator continues, showing her vina to the crowd. "There is also a chorus of musicians and occasionally speakers to assist the narrator, who may also interact with the action taking place. It is not unheard of for the characters to sing in the middle of dialogue, and entire story beats are often conveyed in song. Props and sets are often brought on and taken away in a moment's notice. If a Pokémon or spirit is needed in the storyline, they are usually portrayed by puppets--the larger ones operated by several puppeteers in plain view of the audience, and voiced by the narrator. Even though you will very plainly see the stage ninjas at work creating the play's world, remember that they are shadows, and therefore unseen to you."

 

@Sugar @122 Generation

The narrator readies her vina to play. "One major difference between the Gekijou tradition and other ancient forms of theater is that girls were allowed to perform onstage alongside the boys. Gekijou girls are not dancing princesses waiting to be rescued by any stretch--they are just as strong, and just as important, as the boys."

She goes on. "The story we want to tell you today concerns a brave hunter and his bond with a goddess. So please enjoy 'The Goddess' Arrow'.

With that, she starts a relaxed tune that evokes a peaceful morning...

(what the narrator plays--and what a vina basically sounds like)

 

@Sugar @122 Generation

(waiting for Martine's reaction before we go on)

 

@Sugar @122 Generation

(just post when you can--good luck!)

"Once a hunter wandered in the forest all day, but fortune was unkind to him, and he didn't catch a thing." the narrator began. "Just as he was about to return home,
Just then, he saw a Fletchling sitting peacefully on the tree and shot at it."

The audience watches as the actor playing the hunter deliberately misses the actress playing the goddess, in the form of a Fletchling gijinka. "However, the arrow missed its mark, and the Fletchling spoke to the hunter in the words of humans..."

"Please, don't kill me!" the girl begs. "Take me home and put me on the windowsill. When you return at nightfall, you will find your happiness."

 

@Sugar @122 Generation

The hunter returned home, put the Fletchling on the windowsill, and went to prepare his dinner for the night." the narrator went on. "When he returned some time later, he was shocked to see that the Fletchling had turned into a beautiful goddess."

Some laughter goes up over the actor playing the hunter's reaction to seeing the actress playing the goddess.

 

@Sugar @122 Generation

"Thank you, young hero. An evil wizard cursed me to live as a Fletchling unless someone showed mercy on me, and took me home. I love you, and wish to marry you." the actress playing the goddess explained.

"And so, the hunter and the goddess were married, and lived happily for a time." the narrator went on.

The orchestra then starts a festive melody for the wedding scene, filled with all manner of dancing and celebrating.

 

@Sugar @122 Generation

(Speeding things along and hitting the highlights--tweaking the play's plot a little too)

One day, the king of the land declares a grand tournament in honor of the princess' birthday. The goddess blesses our hero with a magical bow, and tells him to sign up for the archery contest.