2024
FROM TRADITION TO MODERNITY
Understanding nohgaku from its establishment 650 years ago to contemporary times
Matsui Akira performs Takasago at the Southbank Centre, London, January 2020. Photo: Clive Barda/ArenaPal
Nohgaku (noh and kyogen) theatre holds a place of profound importance within Japanese culture, deeply embedded in Japan’s rich historical tapestry.
A series of linked activities took place in the UK during August and September 2024. This not-for-profit programme, included the opening of a four-month exhibition at the Embassy of Japan at the beginning of September which seeks to illuminate the vital position that noh holds in Japanese culture and history, offering UK audiences a unique opportunity to engage more deeply with this classical art form.
Aims
To introduce noh theatre to diverse audiences
To explore the relationship between classical and contemporary noh theatre
To increase the public’s understanding of what is noh, and what is noh-inspired
To understand the impact of traditional arts to the development of intercultural societies through the ages
To strengthen intercultural relations.
Embassy of Japan London, Exhibition
From September to December 2024 at the Embassy of Japan, London. 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT. Opening hours: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm (weekdays)
Kitazawa Hideta, traditional master craftsman and mask maker also spoke to visitors as the exhibition’s artist-in-residence on 6, 18 September.
Collaborating Partners for Associated Activities
To accompany the opening of the exhibition there was an extensive programme of associated activities organised by a variety of collaborating partner organisations for events that were scheduled from mid August and throughout September 2024, featuring, from Japan, internationally renowned Japanese professional noh actor Matsui Akira; Japanese traditional Master Craftsman, mask maker Kitazawa Hideta; founding director, teacher and performer of Theatre Nohgaku Richard Emmert; and, from the UK, Jannette Cheong (author/designer), Ashley Thorpe (author/performer) and Laura Sampson (performer).
2024 Education and Outreach Programme
Noh Training Project UK held its annual performance workshop and introduced two new workshops as part of the Tradition and Modernity Programme
23-28 Aug: Noh Mask Making Workshop was led by Kitazawa Hideta at Royal Holloway University of London, main campus, Egham, Surrey
25 Aug-6 Sep: Noh Performance Workshop was led by Richard Emmert, Matsui Akira at Royal Holloway University of London, main campus, Egham, Surrey
17-19 Sep: Noh Writers’ Workshop was led by Richard Emmert with Ashley Thorpe at Royal Holloway University of London, Bedford Square, Central London.
Other Public Events in September 2024
6 September – Royal Asiatic Society: Japanese Noh and Kyogen Mask Making demonstration/talk by Kitazawa Hideta.
“It was a great evening and really special. I know how much very hard work has gone into this and it certainly showed.”
9 September – Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation - ‘West Meets East through the World of Noh’ - Jason James interviewed Kitazawa Hideta, Matsui Akira and Richard Emmert
10 September – Japan House London: Talk and Demonstration – An Introduction to Noh and Kyogen Masks by Kitazawa Hideta and Richard Emmert
“ • Brilliant introduction. Fantastic talk.
• It was absolutely fascinating. Informative and entertaining, it was presented by two people who were able to describe and demonstrate their knowledge and craft with passion and humour.
• It was a great explanation and I liked seeing a traditional workspace sitting on the floor and the different tools he employs.
• I was impressed by the idea of mixing live carving with explanations, seeing the master explain, the reverence in handling the masks, and stories about them was amazing. The short enactments were also a treat. Amazing… It felt like an incursion into hundreds of years of tradition, really well explained, showcased, stories, the conversation between the two. I have more understanding and admiration for Japanese culture. The master craftsman was very inspiring, lived hearing him talk. It helped to have someone who could translate the concepts and expand on them in English too (without being overbearing to the guest / taking away the spotlight). The partnership worked well.
• I liked seeing parts of the carving process and hearing his explanation of how his tools fit his body. I loved seeing Rick perform a little putting on the Komote and Kitazawa-san putting on the mask of the happy god.
• It gave me an insight into a subject I knew a tiny bit about and made me curious to learn more about Noh and Kyogen.
”
11 September – Japan House London: Performance Event – Rockaby by Samuel Beckett performed as noh by Matsui Akira and Laura Sampson, and an adaption of classical noh Kazuraki with Matsui Akira, Kitazawa Hideta, Richard Emmert, Ashley Thorpe (taiko drum), Laura Sampson (nohkan-flute)
“ • It is a wonderful opportunity to see Noh outside of Japan and understand more about this beautiful art form.
• A beautiful and thorough demonstration of Japanese culture and art.
• Well produced exiting content.
• Fantastic and unique performance
• It was a fascinating event with two unique Noh performances.
• As always very well staged and explained
• I have not seen Noh theatre before, and this was an excellent introduction, having the mask making demonstration as well made it even better.
• First time seeing Noh, was a delight
• An excellent opportunity to have a cultural experience
• Beautifully performed and message was clear and moving
• I had never seen a modern play interpreted as Noh, it was very interesting and engaging. The collaboration shown between the participants was also great to see as it helps to bring the understanding of this Japanese art closer to other audiences. Beautiful performances!
• [What did you like most about the event?] The fact of Noh performance is presented in London - generally, there are very little occasions and chances this amazing performance art can be seen in London. The closeness of the performance stage too, which gives a great new experience.
• Great idea having some programme notes.
• This was a brilliant opportunity. Thank you so much!! I hope you will hold more events related to Noh, which I adore.
• It was a good way to entice Western audiences, but the Noh chants should have been in Japanese. Translations could have been printed out.
• The Noh actor was incredible. But the highlight was having the chants in English so that we could actually understand the storyline. It makes a huge difference as otherwise it is near impossible to enjoy the performance. I hope there could be a similar event on Kabuki! ”
12 September – The British Library: The Mask in Noh: Demonstration and discussion with mask maker Kitazawa Hideta and noh actor Matsui Akira
“The Mask In Noh Theatre event held at British Library was a highly informative and entertaining evening. Through the personal experiences of Hideta Kitazawa and Akira Matsui, the history, current practice and importance of the mask in Noh theatre was brought to life, with the discourse between the mask maker and master of Noh a highlight of the evening. Being able to see examples of finished masks up close, as well as the tools used to create them, emphasised the skill required to produce such intricate works.
”
14 September – University of Cambridge, Elena Hall, West Court, Jesus College, Cambridge – Carving a Character: The Hidden Craft of the Noh Mask with Kitazawa Hideta
18 September – Royal Asiatic Society: The Life and Work of Matsui Akira, Margaret Coldiron interviews noh actor Matsui Akira
20 September – SOAS Japan Research Centre Nohgaku Master Class Day - At the Brunei Gallery with Kitazawa Hideta, Matsui Akira and Richard Emmert
Event 1: English Language Past, Present, Futures Richard Emmert and Ashley Thorpe join Alan Cummings to discuss the significance of English-language noh.
Event 2: Mask making demonstration/discussion led by Kitazawa Hideta (plus book signing)
Event 3: Alan Cummings Interviews Kita School Noh Actor, Matsui Akira
Event 4: Performance Event with Matsui Akira, Richard Emmert, Kitazawa Hideta, Ashley Thorpe and Laura Sampson.
21 September - Baur Foundation Museum of Far Eastern Art, Geneva, Switzerland, 14.30 mask making demonstration talk by Kitazawa Hideta.
Book Signings
Kitazawa Hideta was also available to undertake several book signings throughout this programme. His book is available at: