Sunday, February 8, 2009

This rare and exciting event will introduce audiences to the performing arts of the royal court.

In this one time only event, Noh principal actor and lecturer Shizuka Mikata of the Kanze School in Kyoto, Japan will bring his keen understanding and traditional training to the United States for the first time for this touring performance and lecture program.

Uniquely subtle and regal, Noh, one of the oldest forms of performing arts in the world today, has been performed since the 14th century in Japan. Veiled in a fog of intrigue and mystery, Noh features rhythmic musicians, choral chanters and masked actors as they tell the stories handed down over generations.

In Noh, tradition dictates each performer to practice the fundamental movements, songs and dances independently, making each performance fresh to the audience and performers. A hybrid of improvised tradition, “Noh: Pathos Behind the Mask” will examine and demonstrate the many unique cultural traditions that have been handed down for generations.

Shizuka Mikata was born in Kyoto in 1966 as the eldest son of NOH performer Ken Mikata. He made his first appearance on the professional stage at the early age of 5, followed by his first leading role at 12. Mikata went on to apprentice with the legendary NOH master and Japanese living national treasure of Japan, Kurouemon Katayama.

Through the Japan Foundation’s International program, Shizuka Mikata will be joined by four outstanding figures, actor Michiharu Wakebayashi,flute player Manabu Takeichi, Kotsuzumi drummer Ichiro Kichisaka and Otsuzumi drummer Masaru Kawamura. Together these classically trained Noh performers of the Kanze School will demonstrate with awe inspiring precision the true movements, sound and stories from the elusive art.

Accompanying this program will be a classically designed stage, wardrobe, musical instruments and images of Noh performance in Japan.

Time:
Sunday, February 8, 2009, 2 pm

Location:
University of San Francisco
McLaren Room 252
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

Contact:
Krysten Elbers
415.422.6357
elbers@usfca.edu

Supported by the Japan Foundation; JACCC; Consulate-Generals of Japan in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle and Denver; Miyako Hotel Los Angeles; Kanze School of Noh in Kyoto, Japan; and the Japan America Society of Southern California.