Kabuki Workshop @ National Theatre
July 12th, 2009
On July 12th, 20 students from KAI went to participate in a Kabuki Workshop at National Theatre. 2 students had the opportunity to go up on the stage to actually experience kabuki. Here are reports by the 2 students, Sebastian and Emanuele. ***
"On the Kabuki-Stage" - Sebastian
Before going up on stage, I wondered if my Japanese would be good enough, and since we didn't know what we were supposed to do on stage, I felt stage fright. However, after all, I now understand - there was no need to be worried.
On stage, first we had to introduce ourselves briefly. Then we were instructed about what we would have to do and how to do it. Since it was not only told, but also shown to us, it was not that difficult. Even without speaking Japanese well, by watching the instructions it was easy to understand.
After swinging a rod-like thing, it was kabuki-cosplay time - wearing kabuki-style clothes and posing. The actor was friendly and actually very funny, and any feelings of stage-fright dissolved quickly.
In the end, being on stage was a great experience and I enjoyed it a lot. I'm really glad I had this chance, which probably only comes once in lifetime. Thank you for this great opportunity!
"Experiencing Kabuki" - Emanuele
| Q: |
What did you do on the stage? |
| A: |
I followed the instructor's guidance and acted a little. |
| Q: |
It is a rare experience even for a Japanese to learn kabuki from a professional kabuki actor. How did you like it? |
| A: |
It was indeed a unique experience. I got nervous in the beginning facing
all the audience, but I gradually got used to the situation. After all, it
was fun and wonderful opportunity.
|
| Q: |
What do you think of this workshop? |
| A: |
Because it was a workshop and not a real performance, there was more
foreign audience. For foreigners, kabuki is not easy to understand. I
think this event is an excellent opportunity for foreigners to
enjoy traditional Japanese culture.
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