***Due to popular demand, we are no longer accepting reservations for this performance***

A Commemorative Event for the 90^th Anniversary of Canada-Japan Diplomatic Relations:

Kyogen Performance

Co-presented by the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto and the Japan Foundation, Toronto.

WHAT IS KYOGEN? An Introduction to Nohgaku Excerpted from the National Noh Theatre of Japan, Japan Arts Council Website

Noh and Kyogen are Japanese traditional performing arts that have a long history. They are performed on the same stage and are collectively referred to as “Nohgaku.” The two are staged frequently even now and continue to awe and inspire us. Noh and Kyogen have had various influences on Bunraku and Kabuki as well as opera and contemporary theatre.

Kyogen: Spoken comedy revolving around conversations

Kyogen is a theatrical performance in which the story unfolds through human conversations. It draws on the daily events of the period in which the plays are set, with many of the characters being archetypal characters one would find anywhere. Based on satire and comedy, Kyogen amusingly depicts strong-willed ordinary people by typifying characters and exaggerating their gestures. Its repertoire is diverse, and may include music and dance. To learn more about Kyogen, please click the topics below;

Kyogen Stage and Structure    Flow of Kyogen Plays  Expressive Elements in Nohgaku

Performers   Kyogen Techniques   Kyogen Characters   Kyogen Costumes

PROGRAM FOR DECEMBER 2, 2019 PERFORMANCE

Please note: Kyogen plays to be performed in Japanese (without English subtitles). Introduction & costume demonstration in Japanese with English interpretation

Otōfu Kyōgen

Just like Tōfu, bean curd, The Shigeyama Kyogen troupe bills itself as “Otofu Kyogen”, as tofu is something that can be enjoyed by everyone at any time, never gets boring and is always tasteful. They are on their way to Toronto to treat you to Japan’s traditions and laughter. [Names in traditional Japanese name order, Last name > First name]

INTRODUCTION By Matsumoto Kaoru

KYOGEN PLAY TITLE: Yobikoe, Call Out 狂言『呼声』【よびこえ】

PERFORMERS

Shite, leading character, servant Taro: SHIGEYAMA SENGORO

Ado, supporting character, master: IGUCHI TATSUYA

Ado, supporting character, servant Jiro: YAMASHITA MORIYUKI

COSTUME DEMONSTRATION

KYOGEN PLAY TITLE: Inabadō Temple 狂言『因幡堂』【いなばどう】

PERFORMERS

Shite, leading character, man: MATSUMOTO KAORU

Ado, supporting character, his wife: YAMASHITA MORIYUKI

Kōken, onstage assistant: IGUCHI TATUSYA

PERFORMERS FROM SHIGEYAMA OTOFU KYOGEN:

SHIGEYAMA Sengoro XIV　十四世 茂山 千五郎

MATSUMOTO Kaoru　松本 薫

IGUCHI Tatsuya　井口 竜也

YAMASHITA Moriyuki　山下 守之

***Due to popular demand, we are no longer accepting reservations for this performance***