[Call for Participants] Yokohama Noh Theater to Host Children's Kyogen Workshop with Performance Viewing
The Yokohama Noh Theater is recruiting participants for its annual summer vacation event, the "Children's Kyogen Workshop (Introductory Course)." In this program, participants will first watch a professional Kyogen performance of "Kaki Yamabushi," and then engage in a three-day hands-on workshop to learn basic Kyogen movements, lines, and more from professional Noh performers. It's a valuable opportunity to not just "watch" but also "experience" the traditional Japanese art of Kyogen.
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The Yokohama Noh Theater will hold its annual summer vacation "Children's Kyogen Workshop " again this year! Kyogen is... a form of Japanese traditional performing art, a dialogue-based play that has been performed alongside Noh for over 650 years, older than Kabuki and Bunraku. After watching the Kyogen play "Kaki Yamabushi," which is also featured in elementary school textbooks, participants will get a taste of the world of Kyogen through a three-day workshop. In the workshop, they will learn the basics of Kyogen from professional Noh performers and try their hand at holding a fan and delivering lines. Why not make this a special summer vacation where you not only "watch" but also "experience" Kyogen? STEP 1 Watch Kyogen Talk by Tojiro Yamamoto Kyogen "Kaki Yamabushi" (Okura School) First, you will watch the Yokohama Noh Theater's educational performance "Kodomo Kyogen-do." You can see two Kyogen plays, "Kaki Yamabushi" and "Ka Zumo," performed by the prestigious Tojiro Yamamoto family of Kyogen, with commentary from Living National Treasure, Tojiro Yamamoto. Educational Performance "Kodomo Kyogen-do" Date & Time: August 1, 2026 (Sat) 2:00 PM start (doors open at 1:00 PM) Venue: Yokohama Noh Theater Main Stage Program: Kyogen "Kaki Yamabushi" (Okura School) by Norishige Yamamoto, Kyogen "Ka Zumo" (Okura School) by Yasutaro Yamamoto, Talk by Tojiro Yamamoto STEP 2 Experience Kyogen Scenes from past workshops After watching the performance, you will experience Kyogen practice over three days. Not only will you experience the basics of Kyogen, such as footwork, fan usage, and chanting (utai), but you will also learn etiquette. Practice begins with sitting in seiza and greeting the teacher. You will also be taught how to bow politely. Dates: August 3 (Mon), 4 (Tue), 5 (Wed), 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM each day Instructors: Norishige Yamamoto, Norihide Yamamoto (Noh Performers, Kyogen-kata, Okura School) Venue: Yokohama Noh Theater Second Stage After completing the "Introductory Course," those who wish can take part in the "Children's Kyogen Workshop " (paid), which will be held next winter and involves 10 intensive practice sessions. Participants of the "Graduation Course" will also have the opportunity to showcase their progress at the recital "Yokohama Kodomo Kyogen-kai." This is a full-fledged experience where children perform a whole play by themselves, wearing Kyogen costumes. The "Children's Kyogen Workshop" is a gateway to the profound world of classical performing arts, which has even produced professional Noh performers. Why not start by experiencing Kyogen for four days this summer vacation? Event Overview Children's Kyogen Workshop Dates: [Performance] August 1, 2026 (Sat) 2:00 PM start (doors open at 1:00 PM) [Workshop] August 3 (Mon), 4 (Tue), 5 (Wed), 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM each day Venue: Yokohama Noh Theater Target Audience: 1st-grade elementary to 3rd-grade junior high school students Participation Fee: 2,000 yen (includes performance viewing fee) Capacity: 20 people (A lottery will be held if there are many applicants. *First-time participants will be prioritized in case of a lottery.) How to Apply Please apply using the application form below. URL: https://forms.office.com/r/B6t5ZaasXX Application Period: May 18 (Mon) 11:00 AM - June 30 (Tue) 5:00 PM [Contact] Yokohama Noh Theater 27-2 Momijigaoka, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, 220-0044 TEL: 045-263-3055 HP: https://yokohama-nohgakudou.org/ Organizer: Yokohama Noh Theater (Yokohama Arts Foundation) Grant: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Subsidy for Cultural Arts Promotion (Project to Enhance Functions of Theaters, Concert Halls, etc.) | Japan Arts Council