Fascinating Story, Fascinating Place

There’s a double treat waiting for you in Lenox, MA, at Ventfort Hall. First is an intriguing one-woman play there, and, second, is the venue itself. The play is centered on an unlikely but real-life marriage. George Denison Morgan of New York City and Yuki Kato of Kyoto, Japan were wed in 1904. He, the nephew of Wall Street financier J. Pierpont Morgan, and she, a renowned geisha. Their story is told in “Morgan O-Yuki: The Geisha of the Golden Age” by Natsuko Ohama, being performed at Ventfort Hall in Lenox by actress Mayu Iwasaki. The original intent of the geisha was to play musical instruments, dance and conduct light conversation with their male guests. Sexual relations occurred but were not an integral element of the profession. Yuki’s story describes the sophisticated education and disciplined life of a geisha; it is not the sordid stereotypical image the West sometimes holds. Morgan pursued Yuki for four years until she finally accepted his proposal of marriage. Her life changed dramatically, bringing her into provinces alien to Japanese of the early 20th century. This was the Gilded Age when there were strict boundaries between classes and cultures and the wealthy were often loath to associate with residents of what they considered lesser worlds. The treatment she received in the Morgan family circle and New York society drove the couple to Paris where they were welcomed and heartily accepted. Yuki attained international recognition that resulted in books, films and a musical about her life. As Iwasaki recounts her story, a view of modern social history unfolds providing insights into a world unknown by most people. The information is fascinating. Iwasaki’s performance as Yuki is sensitive and rich. Her delicate features and flashing eyes reveal her inner being as she journeys through the geisha’s life. Both knowing and naïve, strong and vulnerable, Iwasaki accomplishes transitions with an understated change of vocal pattern or gesture suggesting age or attitude (Yuki died in 1963 at the age of 81). Though the playing area, designed by Carl Sprague, is limited, playwright Ohama and actor Iwasaki transport us to the various locales by a phrase or the donning of various pieces of apparel, including kimonos once worn by the actress’s grandmother. The direction by Enrico Spada is seamless, maintaining a fluid pace while keeping us intrigued and involved in the story. As absorbing as the play is, Ventfort Hall carries its own charm. The Gilded Age mansion was built in 1893 by J. P. Morgan’s sister Sarah (George Denison Morgan’s mother). Saved from demolition, this Berkshire “cottage,” with its own fascinating history, has been restored to its original grandeur as a museum and performance space. As you enter the various rooms with their oak paneling and stained-glass windows you can imagine life at the turn of the 20th century, a world that ceases to exist. “Morgan O-Yuki: The Geisha of the Gilded Age” runs through Labor Day. Tickets call 413-637-3206.