The stage for Kyogen performers living in the 21st century
Vol.4 A kyogen performance at the place where summer ends and autumn begins
Ozo doctrine (Noh performer Kyogen style Ozo school)
It felt like the temperature had dropped significantly since the beginning of October, but the heat returned on October 6th after a long time. Today was the votive kyogen performance at Nakanoshima Inari Shrine.
As we rounded the corner, we could hear the sound of festival music. The approach to the shrine was bustling with stalls, and we felt a sense of excitement that might even loosen our purse strings. Although there was no fear of a typhoon, the wind was a little strong, and one long-time member of the support group said, "This is the first time we've ever seen such strong winds."
He moved here seven years ago, and the following year started teaching Kyogen at the community center owned by the local neighborhood association.
When my child was born, I made my first visit to the local shrine to meet with the chief priest, and immediately told him that I wanted to offer a kyogen performance at the Kagura hall, to which he readily agreed. The chief priest also brought members of the support group to a kyogen performance I hosted, and the support group was also eager to see a kyogen performance at the shrine. I feel that it was a strange fate that various events came together at the same time.
This year marks the sixth time. The students divided up the work of making the pine curtain that hangs behind the stage, the stage set that imitates a Noh theater, and the programs that are distributed to the audience. The audience seats are in the traditional style with straw mats spread out. The performance begins in an indescribably pale atmosphere, as if the end of summer has been announced.
It was the first time that all 13 students tried singing kouta together. The "Kyogen Kouta Collection," a collection of various kouta that appear in Kyogen plays, was a very satisfying and powerful performance in which the students' emotions and voices came together. Each of the students also shone brightly in the other performances, and laughter was heard from the audience. Even in the midst of the occasional gusts of wind that made the trees rustle loudly, the students' voices must have reached many people.
In this class, the students themselves are the main characters, and I think I am just a supporting role. It is difficult to live true to yourself in this world, but the world of Kyogen affirms you as you are. The students' lively performances were very beautiful. The hour flew by, but I'm sure the gods were pleased by the students' enthusiasm and the laughter of the audience.
The ceremony ends on a happy note with a congratulatory speech, with the hope that daily life will be enriched even just a little.
