This was a chance for the audience to have direct conversations with the esteemed performers from Japan and discuss their unforgettable performance of the Noh play ‘Sumidagawa’, right after the presentation in Hall One, over drinks and snacks.
“Why is Noh Theatre fascinating for you?”
“It is because Noh theatre is a unique form of stage art that depicts scenes through its music (hayashi) and distinctive intonation of chanting (utai, which includes singing and dialogue). It erases the expressions of the most important actors with Noh masks, and conversely, through these masks, it allows the soul of the character to possess them, enabling the powerful expression of various emotions.” (Shizuka Mikata, shite actor, Kanze School )
“Noh expresses the emotions and drama of people since ancient times through quintessentially original Japanese words and music.” (Tatsushi Narita, kotsuzumi shoulder drum, Ko School)
“After the climax of the Noh drama, filled with chants, dances, and music overflowing with heartfelt emotions, a moment of stillness, known as ‘shijima’ in Japanese, unfolds on the stage. It’s a moment we share with the audience, when something within their hearts begins to stir and connect with the essence of Noh. A truly sensational moment!!” (Seigo Mikuriya, waki actor, Hosho School)
“The way of movement, vocal expression, and overall body usage in Noh is profound, and as a result, even the same forms or chants can appear completely different depending on the actor or the viewer.” (Yasuki Kobayakawa, shite actor, Kanze School)
“In contrast to the Western approach of captivating viewers by complex and sophisticated movements, Noh relies on the idea that stillness can imbue even the smallest movements with great persuasiveness. Noh reduces the number of instruments to the utmost minimum, aiming to express the most beautiful sound of “silence It is intriguing and deeply resonate with people’s hearts.” (Tetsuya Yamamoto, otsuzumi hip drum, Okura School)
See ‘Meet the Noh Performers‘ for all the performers who were present at this 2024 event as well as performers from previous events.
