Japanese Theater and Theater Studies in a Global Age
On May 5, scholars on traditional Japanese performance from the U.S. and Southeast Asia participated in an interactive mini-symposium titled “Japanese Theater and Theater Studies in a Global Age.” This symposium, organized and hosted by Professors Michael Emmerich (UCLA) and Shimazaki Satoko (USC), is part of a five-day program that took place on both the UCLA campus (on May 5) and at the Aratani Theater (on May 6 & 7) in downtown Los Angeles. It is organized and supported by the Yanai Initiative Japanese Performing Arts Program at UCLA and Waseda University.
On the morning of May 5, Living National Treasure Nomura Mansaku discussed his early kyogen training in a lecture “Living Kyogen.” In this light-hearted and candid presentation, we learnt of and his earliest training with his father and his developing relationship with kyogen.
The kyogen performance on May 6 & 7 started with an introduction of kyogen by Nomura Mansai, Nomura Mansaku’s son. Mansai is not only a renowned kyogen performer, but also a versatile actor in films and on TV. The hour-long introduction highlighted various important aspects of kyogen, with illustrations by members of the Mansaku no Kai.
A Night of Kyogen with Mansaku Nomura and Mansaku-no-Kai Kyogen
Company http://www.japansociety.org/event/a-night-of-kyogen-with-mansaku-no-kai This program celebrates the Mansaku Nomura Family and Japan’s Society’s long-standing relationship that began with Mansaku’s father Manzo Nomura half a century ago. Octogenarian Living National Treasure Mansaku Nomura, together with illustrious members of the Mansaku-no-Kai Kyogen Company, including Mansaku’s son star of stage/film/TV Mansai Nomura and masterful performer Yukio Ishida, return to Japan Society to offer a special evening of kyogen, Japan’s traditional comedic theater that satirizes and embraces human imperfection. Centering around Mansaku’s virtuosic performance of the vigorous solo piece Nasu no Yoichi, based on a serious episode from The Tale of the Heike, the program also includes the dynamic Akutaro, starring Mansai, about a troublemaker's unexpected journey to repentance and the popular play Bonsan, which follows a foolish thief with a penchant for bonsai trees. With English titles. A pre-performance lecture begins at 6:30 pm prior to each performance. Led by Dr. Carolyn Morley, Professor of Japanese Literature and Theater at Wellesley College. Open and free for ticket holders.
An Evening of Kyogen at Aratani Theatre. May 6/7
More INFO: bit.ly/KYOGEN. 35 years after he first shared the joy of kyogen with Los Angeles theatergoers, Living National Treasure MANSAKU NOMURA returns with the Mansaku-no-Kai Company for an evening of warm, life-affirming comedy. Also starring MANSAI NOMURA and YUKIO ISHIDA.