The stage for Kyogen performers living in the 21st century
Vol.6 A workshop where you can watch, laugh, and experience something uplifting
Ozo doctrine (Noh performer Kyogen style Ozo school)
Learning is play. Play is learning.
When did you first come across this phrase?
When I was in elementary school, we used blue litmus paper in science experiments, and it turned red when immersed in an acidic solution. I still can't forget the excitement I felt from my feet to my head at this discovery and surprise. The wonder that a piece of paper and liquid brought about stimulated my curiosity, and it became a "game" that went beyond "class."
Recently, I have been asked to hold experiential workshops for children.
I had held workshops before, but they were mainly for adults. Between performances, I would invite the audience onto the stage to experience various forms of expression, such as basic posture, sliding steps, and vocalization, and these lasted about 20 minutes at most.
The first workshop I did when I was around 30 years old was an event that even preschoolers could participate in. We were not used to working with children, so we showed them Kyogen and taught them various forms of expression, such as basic postures and sliding feet.
The kids got bored.
I got bored of it within 10 minutes.
Some children left midway through.
The remaining 50 minutes are for parents.
It's an event for children.
I still can't forget that failure.
Sigh, just remembering it makes me feel sick...
To begin with, this is the world of classical performing arts, so I feel ashamed of myself for thinking that it is unthinkable to deviate from the form.
First, I thought about what I was lacking and what I needed to do to make people enjoy themselves. It was like replacing the cells in my body.
The workshop is not about learning, it's about play. With that in mind, we've prepared a variety of items.
A self-created kyogen paper theater.
Fan Kid lets you make your own original fan.
There will also be time to try on Noh costumes.
Over the next few years, we were able to create an exciting workshop that people could enjoy without compromising on authenticity and style.
The children's laughter and excitement as they watch the Noh comedy performance.
During the experience, the children showed energetic movements and loud voices that sounded almost explosive.
They express themselves with gusto.
Seeing the kid sitting at the back gradually come forward, I gradually gained confidence.
What is the true appeal of "classical performing arts"?
What is the "traditional performing arts" that we should truly cherish?
I strongly hope that this will be a place where people can "learn" while "playing."
