Join the UCLA Department of Asian Languages and Cultures for five days of kyogen with Japan's living national treasure Mansaku Nomura from Friday, May 5, through Tuesday, May 9.
Kyogen, literally meaning “mad words” or “wild speech,” is a form of traditional Japanese theater whose origins can be traced back to the early 14th century. Characterized by its warm, life-affirming humor, it relies on highly stylized gestures, precise pacing and distinctive vocal techniques. With its pared-down staging, kyogen offers a unique theatrical experience.
The five days of kyogen will begin Friday, May 5, with a “Living Kyogen” lecture by Nomura presented by the UCLA Yanai Initiative at UCLA and Waseda University at 10:30 a.m. in UCLA’s Palisades Room in Carnesale Commons. The lecture is free and open to the public. Registration can be made online.
An international symposium presented by the Yanai Initiative Japanese Performing Arts Program, “Japanese Theater and Theater Studies in a Global Age,” will continue the celebration on May 5 from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 5, in UCLA’s Hermosa Room in Carnesale Commons. Registration is free and can be made online.
Thirty-five years after he first shared the joy of kyogen with Los Angeles theatergoers, Nomura returns with the Mansaku-no-Kai company on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, at 5 p.m. at the Aratani Theatre. Starring Nomura and his student, Yukio Ishida, this program of three short masterpieces — “The Owl,” “The Kawakami Headwaters” and “Tied to a Stick” — displays the full range the traditional theatrical form. Theatrical pieces will be performed in Japanese with English subtitles. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday’s performances are available online. Discounted UCLA student tickets are also available online.
Ishida and Nomura will demonstrate kyogen acting through masterclasses on Monday, May 8, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at UCLA’s Carnesale Commons. Masterclasses are free and open to the public by application. Submit a CV and/or brief statement using the online application form.
Designated by the Japanese government as holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property, Nomura and Ishida offer an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn how two of the greatest living kyogen actors bring their characters to life on stage, and how they inspire joy in their audiences.
The Aratani Theatre can be found at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 South San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
For details, go here.
