English Commentary, Workshops Provide New Appreciation of Kabuki, Noh; Kyoto Theaters Organize Events to Educate Foreign Visitors
12:25 JST, November 4, 2024
KYOTO – Kabuki and noh theaters in Kyoto are providing English explanations of performance highlights and behind-the-scenes workshops on special days. The initiative was designed so foreign visitors can learn more about traditional performing arts.
Kyoto’s Minamiza Theatre will hold “Journey into Kabuki: Appreciation and Experience” from Saturday through Nov. 10.
To start, commentary is provided by kabuki actors Nakamura Umeno and Kataoka Senjiro, which is interpreted into English. An English audio guide is available to watch kabuki dance “Shojo” (“Mythical Sake-loving Spirit”).
Visitors can try on costumes and strike wooden clappers, an essential sound effect in kabuki. A trial session for international students took place on Oct. 23. A 24-year-old Dutch woman said a deeper understanding helps with better appreciating kabuki and made her want to see it on an actual stage.
Kyoto Kanze-kai will hold “Enter Noh: Masked Stage Art of Japan” on Dec. 27 at Kyoto Kanze Noh Theater.
A similar event was held in October, where Kyoto Sangyo University Associate Prof. Diego Pellecchia began by explaining the origins of noh as well as the storyline in English prior to the performance. Katayama Kuroemon played the leading role in “Aoi no Ue” (“Lady Aoi”).
During the show, a smartphone app showed English subtitles as well as the meaning behind the actors’ movements and musical accompaniment. Participants were able to take pictures after the show.
A 40-year-old man from Switzerland said the explanations were detailed and easy to understand, and he wanted to show the pictures to share the fun of noh to his friends back home.
"Culture" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Takarazuka Revue Company’s School Removes ‘Good-Looks’ Application Requirement; This Year’s Acceptance Rate 1 in 12
-
Contemporary Art Festival Aims to Promote Tourism in Northern Okayama Prefecture
-
2025 Expo Pavilion Light and Life Installation Unveiled to Press; 320,000 LED Lights Create Display to Illuminate the Question of Life
-
Telma Founder Terumasa Nakajima Expresses Warmth Through Handwork; Enjoys Using Japanese Techniques to Create Garments
-
Two Large Exhibitions of Ancient Haniwa Figures from Today’s Perspective; Five Haniwa Warriors Gathered for 1st Time
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Malaysia Growing in Popularity as Destination for Studying Abroad; British-style Education Available at Low Cost
- APEC Leaders Vow to Maintain Free Trade System
- ‘Women Over 30 Would Have Uteruses Removed’; Remarks of CPJ Leader, Novelist Naoki Hyakuta Get Wide Attention
- Ministry Eyes Improving Night-School Japanese Lessons; Aim Is To Help Foreigners Complete Junior High School
- China to Test Mine for Rare Metals Off Japan Island; Japan Lagging in Technologies Needed for Extraction