The stage for Kyogen performers living in the 21st century
Vol.12 What it means to develop people
Ozo doctrine (Noh performer Kyogen style Ozo school)
I think it's the same in any organization, but developing people is simply difficult!
I currently have one apprentice. He is five years younger than me, and he entered my father's school as soon as he graduated from university. Naturally, I became his instructor.
It was my first experience raising someone, so I spent my days trying to figure out how to interact with them and how to communicate with them. At that time, I was shocked when I read Shizuka Ijuin's book "Adult Style."
"When scolding someone, scold them in your own words."
"It's okay to be unreasonable. Society is even more unreasonable."
Until then, I had always kept a step back, but I decided to follow Ijuin's advice and express my thoughts in my own words. Sometimes I say too much, but when that happens, I always remember to follow up later.
The apprentice's training starts with being a bag carrier. On practice days, they are asked to clean up in the morning. They are also taught how to clean from the very basics, including how to clean tatami mats and stage floors.
On the day of the performance, the costumes are carried and taken to the dressing room. In the dressing room, the costumes are arranged on the costume rack. If there are any props that are needed on stage, it is important to prepare them in advance. If someone does not know how to prepare them, we will teach them, and we will also answer questions. We will also warn them if they are not handling their costumes properly.
Serving tea is also an important job.
The timing of pouring tea and how to serve it are also carefully instructed. For example, if you don't add a comment like "Would you like some tea?" or "I've made some tea for you," it will be hard to tell who the tea is for. The amount of tea served is about 80%.
I also have to teach them how to put on the costumes. It is important to put them on neatly, carefully, accurately and quickly. If they can't do it, I'll reprimand them and sometimes I'll get angry.
Even when it comes to something as simple as folding, they provide guidance on how to avoid making incorrect creases.
As the saying goes, "A disciple is one who seeks instruction," so I don't generally "teach" people. I let them watch and learn, and ask questions if they don't understand.
By doing so, you will naturally develop a proactive attitude towards things. Don't be concerned, but make them work. What do you need now, and what should you do? You have to think for yourself and solve the problem yourself.
The trust that is born there develops into strong bonds and creates solid teamwork.
Not only on stage, but also the attitude and manners one takes towards work, and the way one behaves as a person are very important. I feel that it is my duty as his tutor to raise him so that when he becomes a full-fledged actor, he will not be ashamed wherever he goes.
He has been a student for 10 years. I think he has followed me well. We are different ages and were born and raised in different environments. We have different values and ways of thinking, but I would like to continue to build a good relationship so that we can recognize the good points of our students and respect each other.
