See a Kyogen performance for just 2,000 yen!? ~ A holiday plan to enjoy traditional performing arts, a delicious lunch and a stroll around Yokohama in spring
There will be two Kyogen pieces with commentary, and Nomura Mansai will also be performing!
The Yokohama Kyogen-do Festival was held on the second Sunday of February. Although there was a strong north wind, the weather was fine and the scent of plum blossoms could be heard in places around Momijizaka, where the Yokohama Noh Theatre is located.
When we passed through Kabaneyama Park and arrived at the Yokohama Noh Theatre , there were already a lot of people at the entrance! The performance that day was featuring the Kyogen performer and popular actor Nomura Mansai , so tickets were already sold out and the theatre was full to capacity.
Kyogen "Irumagawa" (Izumi school) by Mansai Nomura / Photo: Yoshiaki KandaFirst there is an explanation to make it easy for beginners to understand.
"Nohgaku" is the collective name for Noh and Kyogen, which are often performed together, but the difference between them can be roughly explained as follows.
| Noh | Kyogen |
|---|---|
| A fantastic tragedy based on history and mythology | A comedy depicting the joys, sorrows, anger, and happiness of ordinary people's daily lives |
| Song and Dance Mask (Noh Mask) Musical | A comedy skit with humor and dialogue |
| Running time: Approximately 60 minutes or more | Duration: About 20 minutes, at most 40 minutes |
Kyogen has more content than Noh that is easier for beginners to understand, and each performance is shorter, making it an ideal introduction to Noh, which is why it is held as "popular performances" at an affordable price.
The performances on this day were "Irumagawa" and "Religious Debate," and we first had an explanation of the stories.
Kyogen "Irumagawa" (Izumi school) by Mansai Nomura / Photo: Yoshiaki Kanda"Irumagawa" is an interesting story about a feudal lord who comes across the Irumagawa River (around Saitama Prefecture) on his way back to his country from the capital. However, due to the knowledge of "elegance" he learned in the capital, he becomes obsessed with "upside-down speech," and despite the locals trying to stop him, he jumps into the river and nearly drowns. Afterwards, a commotion ensues as he continues to communicate in "upside-down speech."
