Aim for a workshop where you can watch, laugh, and feel energized through hands-on experience!

The grand stage for Kyogen performers living in the 21st century
Vol.6　A workshop to watch, laugh, and experience to feel energized.
Ozo doctrine (Noh performer Kyogen style Ozo school)

Learning is play. Play is learning.
When did I first encounter this phrase?

In elementary school, the blue litmus paper we used in science experiments turned red when dipped in an acidic solution. I still can't forget the thrill and excitement I felt from head to toe at this discovery and surprise. The wonder brought about by a single sheet of paper and a liquid stimulated my curiosity and turned "lesson" into "play."

Lately, I've been getting a lot of requests to conduct experiential workshops for children.
Although I had previous workshop experience, those were primarily for adults. Between performances, I would bring audience members onto the stage and let them experience various expressive techniques such as basic posture, shuffling steps, and vocalization, and these workshops were no longer than about 20 minutes long.

The first workshop I ever did, when I was around 30, was for an event that even preschoolers could participate in. Since we weren't used to working with children, we tried showing them Kyogen (traditional Japanese comic theater), teaching them basic postures, shuffling steps, and various other forms and techniques of expression.

The children got bored.
I got bored in less than 10 minutes.
Some children left midway through.
The remaining 50 minutes are for parents.
Even though it's an event for children.
I still can't forget that setback.
Ugh, just thinking about it makes me sick...

I'm ashamed of myself for thinking that, since it's the world of classical performing arts, it's unthinkable to deviate from the established forms.
First, I thought about what I was lacking and what I needed to do to make it enjoyable for others. It was like replacing the cells in my body.

The workshop was meant to be play, not learning. With that in mind, I gathered all the necessary materials.

A kamishibai (paper play) I made myself, featuring Kyogen (traditional Japanese comic theater).
A fan kit that lets you create your own original fan.
There will also be time for visitors to try on Kyogen costumes.
Over the next few years, we were able to create an exciting workshop that people could enjoy without compromising the "authenticity" or "tradition."
The children's faces were filled with laughter and excitement as they watched the Kyogen performance.
The experience was filled with energetic movements and booming voices.
They proudly express themselves.
Seeing the child who was sitting in the back gradually move forward gave me a little bit of confidence.

What is the true appeal of "classical performing arts"?
What are the "traditional performing arts" that we should truly cherish?
I strongly believe that this should be a place where people can learn while having fun.