Yukihiro Isso / Mansai Nomura / Hirotada Kamei

“NOHGAKU-GENZAIKEI” is a serial project launched by the Japanese Fue flutist Yukihiro Isso, Kyogen actor Mansai Nomura, and Otsuzumi drummer Hirotada Kamei whose activities are beyond the fields of traditional theatre. NOGAKU-GENZAIKEI aims to explore the possibility of Nohgaku, which has six hundred years of history, as an art form. With a guest Shite (primary actor) of the same generation invited each time, the series has been favorably received by theatre audience in Tokyo. Now Setagaya Public Theatre again present "NOHGAKU-GENZAIKEI Theatre Edition @ Setagaya”at Setagaya Public Theatre between Jun.20-22.

One of the fascinations of Noh is the harmony of dance, movements, and music. Even with the minimum characters and props, a Noh stage can be filled with the poetic of landscapes as well as the grace of heaven or the doom of hell thanks to the interaction among chants, music, and acting. “TŌRU” and “SHARI” are ideal repertoires to fully experience the dynamism of Nohgaku.

“TŌRU” uses brisk and colorful variations of the image of the moon in the verse and movements to depict the spirit of Minamoto no Toru(Who is thought to be the model for Hikaru Genji in The Tale of Genji), a poet and statesman of the Heian period, dancing in the moonlight. Focusing on the highlights of this dance part, this play will be present by three different schools in turn daily.

“SHARI” is a dynamic play that shows the battle between a demon Sokushitsuki who steals busshari (said to be Buddha's tooth) and Idaten, a guardian deity of the teachings of Buddism. The play’s climax is their battle fought ascending and descending in an extensive space spreading from the earth to the sky.

A post-performance talk by Yukihiro, Mansai, Hirotada, and the guest Shite of the night will be held each night.

Schedule
Jun.20 19:00 “ TORU ” " SHARI ” by Kanze-ryu (Kanze School)
Jun.21 19:00 “ TORU ” ”SHARI ” by Kita-ryu (Kita School)
Jun.22 18:00 ”TORU ” ”SHARI ” by Hosho-ryu (Hosho School) with English subtitles

［Performed by］ Yukihiro Isso / Mansai Nomura / Hirotada Kamei