Kyogen practice should be bright, fun, and energetic!
The grand stage for Kyogen performers living in the 21st century
Vol.2 Kyogen practice should be bright, fun, and energetic!
Ozo doctrine (Noh performer Kyogen style Ozo school)
"Is it okay to raise my voice?" the student asked with a surprised expression, and I was surprised myself. Because the practice requires us to raise our voices, and that's what the play is about. But when I thought about it carefully, this is the Kagura Hall on the grounds of a shrine, and it's semi-outdoors. It's true that raising your voice outside might make you feel hesitant. "Let's just do it without worrying," I encouraged, and the student raised their voice! That voice broke the silence, was absorbed by the trees on the shrine grounds, or carried away by the wind and disappeared. Then the silence returned. Many students continue because they absolutely love this feeling.
What is a "voice"? It must be something that proves that I am myself. Just like fingerprints, no two voiceprints are exactly alike. By making a sound, I exist here. I think it's proof that I am alive here.
The work of a Kyogen performer in the 21st century is not limited to performing on stage. Opening "classes" to spread and pass on Kyogen culture and teaching dance and chanting to students is also an important part of their job.
Kyogen practice begins with imitating the teacher. From singing to the prescribed movements of the play, you imitate everything. It may be a small thing, but you pursue every move until you achieve the desired form. Movements are kept to a minimum. And beautiful. You hone your body while facing it.
Students start Kyogen for a variety of reasons: office workers, housewives, teachers, students, and children. From those who started a year ago to those with over 30 years of experience, people of all ages and genders practice together, aiming for performances at recitals and shrine dedications. The studio's motto is "Bright, fun, and energetic!"
Now, this time we interviewed some students.
What was your reason for starting Kyogen (traditional Japanese comic theater)?
TY: For me, it's to avoid losing myself due to work stress.
MM: I've been watching classical performing arts shows for many years, but one day I suddenly felt like I wanted to try it myself.
I became interested in it when I saw a flyer distributed at school when I was in first grade.
Although each of you has a different career in Kyogen, could you tell us why you continue to practice it?
TM is a fascinating teacher and the lessons are flexible (lol).
That makes me happy (lol)
MM: It feels good to raise my voice, and it's also given me the courage to stand in front of people.
As soon as one recital ends, I start thinking about the next one, so I just can't stop!
The practice sessions are held at a shrine, not a studio. What do you think of the location?
Since worshippers pass right in front of me , I feel like I can practice as if I were performing in front of an audience, just like in the actual performance.
TY is a sacred place, so you can't do anything bad there (lol).
TM: I like the location. Also, I like the retro atmosphere.
MM , I also feel a sense of calm.
You always practice diligently, but what do you look for in practice?
In addition to the TY technology itself, the teacher also provides explanations of Japanese culture that are relevant to the technology.
I want to refine the beauty of my body through things like MY Mai.
MM: I want to approach each session with a sense of tension. Also, I've made discoveries that apply to many other things.
TM I think it would be interesting to incorporate various types of lessons, and even hold music study sessions.
What is the appeal of Kyogen (traditional Japanese comic theater)?
At this point, laughter is the only option (lol).
TY: That's right. Whether I'm watching, performing, or dancing, I believe it's about creating my own worldview.
I find it enjoyable how TM depicts universal themes such as human foolishness, cunning, and shallowness in a bright and simple way.
Like MM , it's a story about universal human absurdity and a fantastical, surreal world.
Finally, please tell us about your vision for the future.
I don't know how far I can go, but I want to try as far as I can! I think I'll continue doing Kyogen for a while.
I hope to connect with various people through TY Kyogen and live a happy and fulfilling life.
MM, I want to enjoy the contrast between what's the same as before and what's grown.
TM: I'm looking for a job after retirement, and I'm looking for a place where I can work as a senior citizen (lol).
Everyone in the classroom is working towards various goals.
On this day, we focused on rehearsing the Kyogen play "Mosquito Sumo," which will be performed at the Nakanojima Inari Shrine's annual festival on October 6th. Admission is free on the day of the performance, and everyone is welcome to watch, so even if you've never seen Kyogen before, please come and see it.
And if seeing the results of our students' daily practice has made you think, "I want to try it too!", then please feel free to contact us! We offer trial lessons at our studio.
You can see what the rehearsal space is like on Noriyoshi Ohkura's blog, "Norinori Kyogen Seikatsu" (Enjoyable Kyogen Life) http://ohnori.blog52.fc2.com/ !
