The stage for Kyogen performers living in the 21st century
Vol.7 What connects me to my children
Ozo doctrine (Noh performer Kyogen style Ozo school)
Mr. Hirata was my homeroom teacher when I was in the third grade. When class finished early, he took everyone to the audiovisual room and did a "storytelling candle" session.
Close the curtains in the room to make it completely dark.
Light the candle and the story begins.
The teacher has memorized short stories and speaks to each student, looking them in the eye.
That was a special time for me.
Now, the story of the kyogen play "Kaki Yamabushi" is included in the textbooks for sixth graders, and thanks to this, I have more opportunities to visit schools and give workshops.
I always teach in small groups, so if there are more than 70 students in a grade, I split it into two sessions. Otherwise, I feel like I won't be able to connect with the children.
Although it is part of the class, to be honest, I don't think it's necessary to learn "what Kyogen is." Kyogen is sprinkled with various elements such as comedy, morality, richness of imagination, etiquette, exaggerated expressions, kimonos, and the humanity of the performers, so I think it's enough if one of them sticks in the children's minds.
During breaks, the children chat with us and tease us. When trying on kimonos, some previously quiet children actively participate, and when it's time to say the lines in a kyogen performance, some children step forward in front of the others and speak loudly.
One of the joys of the workshop is being able to witness this kind of "chemical reaction."
We have been doing these activities for about seven years, and at the beginning of this year, we received a very happy report from the principal of the school where we held the workshop. A student who took the workshop wrote about the day in his graduation essay under the heading "A Miraculous Kyogen Experience." He said that he felt the charm of Kyogen, cherished the culture that has been passed down for so long, and wanted to make use of it in his own private life.
Other schools have even sent us videos of their children performing the Noh play "Kaki Yamabushi." The group feels a deep sense of accomplishment that their efforts over several years have paid off.
At the end of the workshop, Professor Hirata will give a talk.
It's thanks to Mr. Hirata that I can enjoy the workshops. I would be very happy if, when the children grow up, they remember the time they spent with us and can use "something" they felt there to help them.
I hope that the future of our children will always be bright.
