A cypress stage for Kyogen performers living in the 21st century
Vol.3Enjoy watching, deepen the world of Kyogen by teaching
Okura doctrine (Noh actor Kyogen style Okura style)
Did you know that even ordinary people can learn Kyogen?
Both my father and grandfather presided over dojos called 'Keikojo' and worked to popularize Kyogen. There, men and women of all ages are learning Kyogen, and I have practiced alongside them since I was a child.
*2 years old. Practice on the Noh stage for the first time.
I was once asked, "Isn't Kyogen something to watch, but something to learn?" If I say, "My father and grandfather taught me," that's all, but there were times when I looked back and wondered, "Why am I still teaching?"
In the past, Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Ieyasu Tokugawa, and others performed Kyogen themselves, and each feudal lord learned from them. At Okura's house, he taught Kyogen to town actors and performed at events such as Kanjin Kyogen, so there is no doubt that "teaching" has been around for a long time.
*4 years old. First stage. Co-starred in "Narihira Mochi" with his grandfather's apprentice.
Kyogen has a repertoire of 180 songs, but there may be a limit to learning all of them and passing them on to the next generation without forgetting them. But teaching others helps me remember what I've learned. Also, by teaching it over and over again, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the program and refine your kata. While teaching, there are many discoveries that make me think, “Ah! In addition, the practice is done without using a sound source, which means that you can continue to speak almost all day long, so you can improve your own performance and practice your vocalization. You could say, "By teaching, you are being taught."
On a personal note, I got married and moved to Nakanoshima (Tama Ward, Kawasaki City). Since it coincided with the birth of my child, I went to visit Nakanoshima Inari Shrine, which is the tutelary deity, and there was a Kaguraden.
Kyogen can be performed here.
That's what I thought, so I called Mr. Miyaji immediately, and he kindly provided it to me.
Just when the Great East Japan Earthquake happened. Many of the customers who participate in the "Kyogen LABO" that I independently planned are doing activities that are rooted in the region. Such keywords overlapped and I began to think about "region".
The word "region" has the meaning of pointing to a place, but I think it also means "living" in the "ground". To cherish and enrich the place where you live now. And by adjusting the environment, the circle of people will expand and the city will become a more livable city.
Furthermore, I want the children who grow up there to experience a lot of nature and culture. Experiencing culture opens the heart, discovers oneself and others, and fosters individuality and respect. I started a Kyogen class in Nakanoshima because of all these reasons.
It wasn't easy to attract customers, but now seven students are enjoying learning Kyogen.
* State of the 1st Nakanoshima Inari Shrine Dedicated Kyogen
And this year, on Saturday, October 6th, there will be a dedication Kyogen by all the students in the classroom. This year will be the 6th time, but as an activity rooted in the community, we will take pride in it. I would be happy if I could convey the generosity and humor of Kyogen to many people in the region.
