Workshop at an elementary school! ~What connects me with the children?

A 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 in the third grade of elementary school. When class ended early, he would take everyone to the audiovisual room and do a "storytelling candle" session.

Close the curtains to make the room completely dark.
Light the candle and the story begins.
The teacher has memorized short stories and speaks to each student, looking at their face.

That was a special time for me.

The Kyogen story "Kaki Yamabushi" is now included in sixth grade elementary school textbooks, which has led to more opportunities to visit schools and hold workshops.
I always keep the classes small, so if there are more than 70 students in a grade, I split the class into two sessions because I feel like I won't be able to connect with the children emotionally if I don't do that.
Although it is part of the lesson, to be honest, I don't think it's necessary for students to learn "what Kyogen is." Kyogen is filled with various elements, such as comedy, morality, creativity, etiquette, exaggerated expressions, kimonos, and the humanity of the performers, so I think it's enough if one of these stays 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 their lines in Kyogen, some children step forward in front of the others and speak loudly.
One of the joys of the workshop is being able to see 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. One of the students who took part in the workshop wrote about the day in his graduation essay under the heading "A Miraculous Kyogen Experience." He said that he felt the fascination of Kyogen, cherished this long-standing culture, and wanted to apply it to his own private life.
Other schools have also sent us videos of their children performing the Noh play "Kaki Yamabushi." We are savoring the feeling that our efforts over several years have finally come to fruition and that all our efforts 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 my workshops so much. I would be very happy if, when the children grow up, they remember the time they spent with us and use the "something" they felt there to their advantage.

I hope that the future of our children will always be bright.