JCC E-Magazine November 2017

Mr Doji Shigeyama and Mr Hiromi Shimada.

On 17th October 2017, audiences were given a rare insight into Kyogen, one of Japan’s four oldest traditional performance genres. First, Kyogen performer Mr Doji Shigeyama, gave the audience an introduction to the history of Kyogen and explained its unique points that differentiated it from Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku. Although it can intersect with Noh, Kyogen is beginning to be seen as a standalone genre.

After demonstrating some basic Kyogen techniques, Mr Doji Shigeyama then performed a master-servant category performance with Mr Hiromi Shimada. Surprisingly, it was a bilingual performance, with Mr Doji Shigeyama reciting his lines in English, and Mr Hiromi Shimada reciting his lines in Japanese. It was an exclusive treat as the Shigeyama Family is the only Kyogen performance group in Japan that performs bilingual pieces. It was an easily understandable and enjoyable piece. The enraptured audience also had many questions about Kyogen during the Q&A session.

During the performance.

During the special lecture.		Mr Doji Shigeyama demonstrating basic Kyogen techniques.
Mr Doji Shigeyama demonstrating basic Kyogen techniques.		During the Q&A.

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