The November program, “Journey into KABUKI ~Appreciation and Experience~” at the Minamiza Theatre will start from November 2nd (Sat).

This is a special program designed with the theme of “kabuki that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, nationalities, and languages” for those who have never seen kabuki before. It will include a pre-kabuki talk by the kabuki actors, Nakamura Umeno and Kataoka Senjirō, introducing the ABCs of kabuki with a Japanese English interpreter. Then a kabuki dance ‘SHŌJŌ’, featuring a mythical sake loving spirit, will be performed with English audio guides.  Before the show, visitors can enjoy a ‘tsuke uchi’ (wooden clapper) workshop and an exhibition of props and costumes on display in the lobby.

As a pre-event for the program, international students in Kyoto attended a press conference and experienced the tsuke uchi workshop and other sound props of kabuki. Afterwards, the students had an interview session with Umeno and Senjirō about kabuki and their performances, making the event lively and international.

A student from the Netherlands reflecting on the workshop said, “Through the kabuki-related experiences such as the ‘tsuke uchi’ workshop and talking with the actors, I think that my knowledge about kabuki will change the way I enjoy the performance. Now I’m interested in other experiences and workshops, so I’d like to visit the Minamiza Theatre again during the November program.” A student from Singapore added, “I’ve learned that there are various methods and techniques for performing even a single role.  The wide range of ways to enjoy kabuki, such as paying attention to actors’ movements, has renewed my interest in kabuki.”

At the press conference, Umeno shared his enthusiasm for the performance, saying “At this historic Minamiza Theatre, it’s such an honor to perform in a program that can introduce the beauty of kabuki to a wide range of customers. And at the same time, I feel the responsibility of doing it. Having been given a major role, I will do my best to perform the dance together with Senjirō.”  Senjirō, on the other hand, said, “I was born in Japan, became a kabuki actor, and I’m still on the journey of learning my craft. Yet now I have this opportunity to show the good points of this Japanese performing art to customers from overseas. Nothing could be more joyful. I will perform it with all my heart hoping the audience will relax and enjoy the performance,” with a blissful smile on his face.

“Not only customers from overseas but also people in Japan may have a certain image of kabuki, such as assuming that every actor wears the unique ‘kumadori’ makeup,” said Umeno. “However, there are various characteristics and techniques. In this program, I would like to explain how you can enjoy kabuki from different perspectives. Since there is no dialogue in the dance ‘SHŌJŌ’, you can enjoy it by paying attention to the choreography and the beautiful sound of the orchestra.”

Senjirō added, “‘SHŌJŌ’ is a ‘matsubamemono’ play, a kabuki dance drama which incorporates elements influenced by Nō, so it has the unique Japanese element of ‘stillness and movement’. I would like you to see the great change in pace and the development of each scene carefully. We expanded on this and other aspects in the introduction about kabuki both in English and Japanese and in the props workshop. I hope you will enjoy them as a part of this entertainment.”

For more information about ‘Journey into KABUKI ~Appreciation and Experience~’ at the Minamiza Theatre, please check the link below.
https://www.kabukiweb.net/theatres/minamiza/minamiza_november_2024/