コンテンツにスキップ
arttraditional culture

Kyogen rehearsals are bright, fun, and energetic!

狂言の稽古は、明るく 楽しく 元気よく!

A cypress stage for Kyogen artists living in the 21st century
Vol.2 Kyogen rehearsals are bright, fun, and energetic!
Ozo doctrine (Noh performer Kyogen style Ozo school)

``Is it okay if I speak loudly?'' The student asked with a surprised expression, and I was surprised. This is because during rehearsals, you have to speak out loud, and that's the kind of play it is. But if you think about it carefully, you'll realize that this is a Kagura hall within the precincts of a shrine, so it's semi-outdoors. It can certainly be intimidating to shout out loud outside. When I suggested, ``Let's do it without worrying,'' a student's loud voice broke the silence and was absorbed by the trees in the temple grounds, or disappeared by the wind. The silence returns again. There are many students who continue to enjoy this program because they love it so much.

What is "voice"? It must be something that proves who you are. Like fingerprints, no two voiceprints are the same. By speaking out loud, I am here. I think it's proof that I'm alive here.

The job of a Kyogen performer living in the 21st century is not just to stand on stage. An important part of his job is to open "classrooms" and teach dance and chant to students in order to spread the word about Kyogen culture.
Kyogen practice begins by imitating the teacher. I imitate everything from singing songs to acting out certain movements. It may be a small detail, but we pursue it one step at a time until it takes shape. Minimize movement. And beautifully. Polish yourself while facing your own body.

There are various reasons why students started performing Kyogen. Office workers, housewives, teachers, students, children. From first-year students to students with over 30 years of experience! A mix of young and old, male and female, are practicing with the aim of performing at recitals and shrine dedications. The motto of the classroom is "Bright, fun, and energetic!"


Now, this time, we spoke to all the students.

What made you start performing Kyogen?

TY: I don't want to lose myself due to the stress of work.
MMI had been watching classical performing arts performances for many years, but one day I suddenly felt like giving it a try.
MY: When I was in first grade, I saw a flyer distributed at school and became interested.

Everyone has different careers in Kyogen, but please tell us why you continue to do Kyogen.

TM : Flexible practice with an attractive teacher (lol)

I'm happy (lol)

MMIt feels good to speak out loud, and I've gained the courage to stand up in front of people.
MY I can't stop thinking about the next recital as soon as the recital is over!

We're practicing at a shrine, not a studio, but what about the location?

Since worshipers pass right in front of MY , I feel that I can practice imagining the audience just like in the actual performance.
TY It's a sacred place so no evil can happen (lol)
TMI have the advantage of geography. I also like the retro atmosphere.
MM I also feel calm.

You work hard every time you practice, but what do you look for in practice?

Not only the TY technique, but also the teacher's explanation of Japanese culture that is appropriate for the TY technique.
I would like to improve the beauty of my body through MY dance and other activities.
MM I want to go into it with a sense of nervousness every time. There are other discoveries that can lead to many other things.
TMI think it would be interesting to have a song study session that incorporates multiple rehearsals.

What is the appeal of Kyogen?

MY is now the only option for laughter (lol)
TY: That's right. I believe that whether I'm watching, acting, or dancing, it's all about the worldview I create.
TM I enjoy the bright and simple depiction of universal themes such as human stupidity, cunning, and shallowness.
Like MM , it's a surreal world full of universal human antics and eccentricities.

Lastly, please tell us about your vision for the future.

I don't know how far I can go, but I want to do as much as I can! I think I'll continue doing Kyogen for a while.
I want to connect with various people through TY Kyogen and live happily and happily.
MM I want to enjoy the gap between the things that haven't changed and the things that have grown.
TM I'm looking for a place where I can re-employ as a senior citizen after retiring (lol)

In the classroom, everyone is working towards different goals.

On this day, we concentrated on practicing the Kyogen play ``Mosquito Sumo,'' which will be dedicated at the Nakanoshima Inari Shrine annual festival on October 6th. Admission is free on the day of the event, and anyone can watch it, so even if you've never seen Kyogen before, please come along.
And after seeing the results of the students' daily practice, you've decided that you want to try it yourself! We also offer hands-on experiences in our classrooms, so please feel free to contact us!

The rehearsal room is posted on the Oonori Kyogen blog "Norinori Kyogen Life" http://ohnori.blog52.fc2.com/ !

Related articles