The Heart of Kyogen 2017
Baruch Performing Arts Center, 55 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Friday September 29th, 2017 7:00 pm
The acclaimed Ohkura School Kyogen actors Noriyoshi Ohkura and Daijiro Zenchiku are returning to New York!
Having delighted audiences with their performances and laughter in 2016, this year Mr. Ohkura and Mr. Zenchiku will perform the Kyogen classics, “SHIMIZU” (Spring Water) and “KAGYU” (Snail).
“SHIMIZU” is about a servant who cannot be bothered to get the water needed for a tea ceremony and makes up a story about a demon appearing at the spring...
“SNAIL” tells the improbable events that ensue when a servant agrees to bring back a snail that is an elixir of long life. The servant has no idea what a snail is and assumes a sleeping priest he encounters is the snail he is seeking...
Mr. Ohkura and Mr. Zenchiku will preface the performances with a lecture on the history of Kyogen and demonstrations of Kyogen acting techniques, stage effects, and sound use, making the performance readily accessible to everyone. (The program will be presented in Japanese with English supertitles.)
Kyogen is traditional Japanese comic theater. Kyogen dates back to the 14th century and was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2001.
Supported by J.C.C. Fund of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York.
Noh Society presents the following programs in conjunction with The Heart of Kyogen 2017.
The Heart of Kyogen 2017 in Kentucky
Tuesday, September 26th @ 6:00 pm
Farish Theater (Lexington Public Library) 140 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507
This program is presented in cooperation with the University of Kentucky Japan Studies Program and is supported by the Lexington Public Library and Japan Foundation New York
Workshop at University of Kentucky
Tuesday, September 26th 11:00 - 12:15
This program is presented in cooperation with the University of Kentucky Japan Studies Program and is supported by the Japan Foundation New York
Lecture at University of Kentucky
Tuesday, September 26th 14:00 - 15:15
This program is presented in cooperation with the University of Kentucky Japan Studies Program and is supported by the Japan Foundation New York
Lecture at New York University
Wednesday, September 27th 14:00 - 15:15
Lecture at Baruch College (CUNY)
Thursday, September 28th 9:05 - 10:20
Kyogen For UNIS and NYU
Lecture - Demonstration - Performance
Thursday, September 28th @ 6:30 pm
United Nations International School 24-50 FDR Drive New York, NY 10010-4046
KYOGEN FOR Japanese Weekend School of NJ
Lecture - Demonstration - Performance
Saturday, September 30th 11:50 - 12:45
Japanese Weekend School of NJ
About the Artist:
Daijiro Zenchiku - Born in 1981, Daijiro Zenchiku is a Kyogen Actor of the Ohkura School. He began his training under both his late grandfather Keigoro Zenchiku and his father Juro Zenchiku. At the age of five, Daijiro made his stage debut in the role of Little Monkey in the play Utsubozaru. Afer that he has performed major works such as Sanbaso, Nasu, and Tsurikitsune.
Noriyoshi Ohkura - Born in 1981, Noriyoshi Ohkura is a Kyogen actor of the Ohkura school. From childhood, he received training from both his grandfather, Ohkura Yaemon XXIV, and his father, Ohkura Kichijiro II. At the age of four, Noriyoshi made his stage debut in the role of child in Narihiramochi. He has already performed several masterpieces of Kyogen such as Nasu, Sanbaso, Tsurikitsune, and Hanago.