Go, see, and feel the world of art
File.23 Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center "Sagami Puppet Show"
Miyuki Inoue (Magcal Editorial Department)
I'm interested in "traditional arts," but somehow I had an image of them being sophisticated and unapproachable.
But when I see mikagura and puppet shows at local festivals, I get the feeling that everyone is casually enjoying themselves, and I kind of envy them.
When I thought so, I realized that there is an area in Kanagawa Prefecture where the folk performing arts called "Sagami Puppet Theater" have been handed down and enjoyed by people of all generations. I have to go and try this!
That's why I immediately went to the rehearsal hall.
Currently active are Shimonakaza (Odawara City), Haseza (Atsugi City), Hayashiza (Atsugi City), which are designated as important intangible folk cultural properties of the country, and Maeshimaza (which is designated by the prefecture). Hiratsuka City) and Ashigara-za (Minami Ashigara City). In February, the "Sagami Puppet Show" will be held where these five theaters will gather.
This time, we visited Shimonakaza, which is based in Kotake, Odawara City. It is a group that is particularly active among the Goza, and the age composition of the 35 members ranges from their teens to their 80s.
Also, while there are many groups that limit their membership to local residents, Shimonakaza is open to anyone who wishes, so there are members from Hachioji, Tokyo, who are attracted to the puppet show. The Sagami puppet theater is so attractive, and my interest increases.
The Sagami Puppet Theater is basically performed by three puppeteers, similar to Bunraku. The main puppeteer uses the neck and right hand. The left hand is operated by the left hand, and both legs are operated by the foot puppeteer. The main puppeteer leads the movements of the puppets with a clear intention, but since he cannot give instructions verbally, it is important for the three of us to work in harmony.
Ms. Mineko Hayashi, the chairperson, was working on the Sagami puppet theater as a researcher, and she had a sense of danger that "if it continues like this, it may disappear." Thanks to that, we have established an environment where young people can easily enter and grow, such as collaborating with the prefectural Ninomiya High School "Sagami Doll Club".
“For the younger generation, it is said to be very new. They have never thought that they could manipulate a doll that looks like a cultural property with their own hands, so they must be surprised when they actually try it (laughs). Each of them has their own individuality, but since there are young men in Shimonakaza, I would like to actively perform 'period pieces'.The movements are dynamic and easy to understand, so you can enjoy it even if you don't have any prior knowledge."
What I was allowed to observe was not the rehearsal of Meiboku Sendaihagi , which will be performed at the Sagami Puppet Show, but the rehearsal of the new work, Soga Monogatari. I had a somewhat old-fashioned image of folk performing arts (excuse me!), but it might be a little surprising that they are creating new works by themselves.
On this day, we invited Minojiro Yoshida of the Bunrakuza Theater to give us advice on directing new works, as well as guidance on puppet management techniques.
It is said that there are many differences in the way puppets are used in the Bunrakuza theater of Osaka culture and the Sagami puppet theater Shimonakaza theater of Edo culture, even though they all use the same three puppeteers. It seems that he will give advice while being careful not to do so.
I'm looking forward to "Kara Sendai Hagi", which will be performed at the Sagami Puppet Show in February, but I'm also curious about the new work that I've been working on for three years. I can't wait for the spring release.
Catch promising young girls during break time! There are various reasons for participating, such as meeting at a hands-on class for elementary school students, and seeing seniors using dolls and thinking, "It's cool!" What they have in common is the simple feeling that "it was fun to play".
“Since there weren’t many people, I thought I might have a chance, so I entered, and it turned out to be a lot more fun than I expected (laughs).
With a carefree smile, he showed me the “Kashira” of “Nashiwari”.
When it cracks from the forehead part, the inside is bright red and the eyeballs are restless.
It seems that it is the "kashira" of the so-called "slashed role", but you will be surprised when it suddenly breaks. But even though it's grotesque, it's somehow humorous, so I couldn't help but laugh.
Folk performing arts, which I thought were ``high threshold'', actually seems to be a very familiar world. First of all, I have to see the stage in February when Goza gathers together. If it freaks you out, maybe next year I'll aim to stand on the stage.
This event has ended.
The 47th Sagami Puppet Show
[Date and time] Tuesday, February 11, 2020 12:30 (scheduled to open at 12:00, finish at 16:35)
[Venue] Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center Hall
[Capacity] 750 people
[Fee] Free (advance application required)
[How to apply] Please fill out the necessary information below on a double postcard and send it to the address where you applied. Up to two people can apply for one postcard at the same time. In the case of a large number of applications, it will be a lottery. Replies are scheduled to be sent out in late January. The return postcard will be used as an admission ticket (reserved seat), so please bring it to the venue on the day.
●Zip code
● Address
●Name
●Telephone number
● Number of participants (up to 2 people)
● Participant name
●Please write the return address (reply side) and apply with a return postcard.
[Address] 〒250-8555 300 Ogikubo, Odawara City Cultural Property Division, Odawara City
[Application deadline] January 15 (Wednesday) *Postmark valid (large lottery)
[Organizer] Sagami Puppet Theater Federation Secretariat (Odawara City Cultural Property Division)
[Inquiries] 0465-33-1717 <Sagami Puppet Theater Federation Secretariat (Odawara City Cultural Property Division)>
