INTERVIEW: ‘Taiten: Noh & Kyogen’ offers rare chance to see traditional Japanese theater
Photo: Taiten: Noh & Kyogen, featring Shizuka Mikata, will play Japan Society Nov. 14-16. Photo courtesy of Yoshiaki Kanda / Provided by Japan Society with permission.
Japan Society in New York City has presented a number of thoughtful, transportive programs over the years, and this season, centered on the coronation of the new emperor in Japan, is no different. Engaging works of dance, music and theater are regularly staged, offering audiences a chance to see rare performative experiences inspired by the cultural traditions of Japan.
The society’s newest offering is called Taiten: Noh & Kyogen, an evening of traditional Japanese theater that plays Nov. 14-16 at the Midtown Manhattan venue. According to press notes, Taiten is a rare piece that was commissioned to celebrate the enthronement of the Taisho Emperor in 1912 (it’s still considered “modern” because noh dates back hundreds of years). Now, in recognition of the newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito, Taiten is being revived for 2019 audiences.
At the center of the noh play is performer Kurouemon Katayama X. The actor’s dramatic work will be joined by a humorous addendum (kyogen), which is the custom in Japanese traditional theater. This time, the kyogen will be Kagyu (The Snail), performed by Noritoshi Yamamoto.
In the noh play, Katayama plays the god Amatsukami, who arrives on earth for the emperor’s inauguration. There is great and colorful pageantry that utilizes traditional costumes and masks. This particular revival has been imported from Kyoto, Japan, courtesy of Yokohama Noh Theater, which hosted the premiere production in July.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Yoko Shioya, artistic director of Japan Society Performing Arts, who has been spearheading the special “Emperor Series” to commemorate the coronation of the new emperor in Japan. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can audiences expect from Taiten: Noh & Kyogen at Japan Society?
From Noh, audiences can expect to see the beauty of a more than 600-year-old Japanese performance tradition, which is still true beauty in the 21st century: stylization, costume and the discipline of the noh actors and musicians.
From Kyogen, viewers can expect a comedy written more than 600 years ago — much older than Shakespeare’s comedies — but they still have the power to make you laugh a lot.
Do you personally like and appreciate noh theater?
Yes, very much, even since I was in college.
How does this performance fit into the overall mission of Japan Society?
Japan Society’s mission is to introduce people in New York and beyond to wide and various aspects of Japan in order to enhance mutual understanding for the people of Japan and the U.S. One of the unique aspects of the culture of Japan is that things very ‘old’ exist right alongside things that are very ‘new’ — the old and new co-exist, and are deeply and broadly appreciated — whether it’s food, fashion, social practices or art.
Given the fact that noh and kyogen are still lively forms within the Japanese performing arts scene, therefore, they are a good examples of showing such the unique characteristics of the culture of Japan. Furthermore, this particular program is the culmination of our Emperor Series. Japan’s important and longest existing custom of ‘A New Emperor means a start of a new era’ is well-explained throughout this season’s thematic presentation.
How has the Emperor Series programming gone this fall? Are you happy with the results?
Ever since we announced the season line-up in the middle of summer, ticket sales have been surprisingly strong. The extreme popularity is actually beyond what I expected. And, the feedback through my in-person conversations with audience members and their response when volunteered through our written questionnaires have been remarkably positive.
With this, of course, I am very happy with these results.
In your opinion, why is it important to preserve these cultural traditions for modern audiences?
Humans always learn from history and traditions, especially from things that are well-preserved and handed down for centuries. These have a reason to be preserved, and we can often find a gem or truth within them.
Also, when we observe similarities and differences in the value systems of those several hundred years ago and those in the present day, we can always find something valuable — connections and contrasts which you might not otherwise have noticed.
What are you most excited for on the Japan Society calendar for the rest of 2019 and into 2020?
Fall 2019 and spring 2020 are in contrast to each other — the former is the celebration of long traditions; and the latter is all about the energy and creations of living artists. Again, Japan has a very strong appreciation for both old and new, and this co-existence. I am excited that the entire line-up demonstrates this through the programs and events offered, [and provides] a reflection of the culture of Japan.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Taiten: Noh & Kyogen will play Japan Society Nov. 14-16. Click here for more information and tickets.
