Download Noh Theatre on Film - Oakland Asian Cultural Center

Noh Theatre on Film
“This Lingering Life”: Noh Backstories
Noh Theatre on Film
“This Lingering Life”: Noh Backstories
Curious about Japanese Noh theatre? Join us for a free series of film screenings featuring three classic plays
from Noh Theatre, as well as a Britten opera inspired by Noh. This is a rare opportunity to learn more about
this mysterious and moving art form. For more information, visit <bit.ly/nohbackstories>
The plays were an inspiration for “This Lingering Life,” a new play by Chiori Miyagawa scheduled to premiere
at San Francisco’s Z Space in June. For more information, visit <bit.ly/lingeringlife>
Sumida River (Sumidagawa) / Curlew River
April 13, 1pm - NOHspace, 2840 Mariposa Street, San Francisco
A mother searches for her lost son. Driven half-mad with worry, she
meets a ferryman on the Sumida River who may know something. But is
she prepared to learn the truth? The Noh play “Sumida River” has moved
audiences for centuries with its particular blend of mystery and pathos.
Benjamin Britten was a world-renowned composer when he saw “Sumida
River” in Japan in 1956. Intensely moved, he transposed the setting to the
Curlew River in medieval England and composed “Curlew River,” a powerful
and touching parable for our times. You will also be introduced to kata
(movement patterns) used in Noh.
The Warrior Atsumori
May 4, 2pm - NOHspace, 2840 Mariposa Street, San Francisco
Based on Chapter 9 of “The Tale of the Heike,” the central figure of the play
is Atsumori, a samurai youth who was felled by the experienced hand of an
enemy warrior at the famous battle of Ichi-no-tani in Settsu Province. You
will also be introduced to the Noh hayashi, or orchestra.
Benkei Aboard Ship (Funabenkei)
May 11, 3pm - Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street, Oakland
The play tells of the efforts of the great war hero, Yoshitsune, and his loyal
retainer, Benkei, to escape from the evil Shogun Yoritomo. You will also be
introduced to basics of the Noh masks.
Sponsored by JETAANC Kabuki Club (jetaanc.org/kabuki) and
Theatre of Yugen (theatreofyugen.org)
Kabuki Club
experience the jewels of Japanese culture
Join Us!
Are you interested in Kabuki and other Japanese
performing arts such as Noh, Bunraku, Kyogen,
and Butoh?
Join us for one of our free classes studying classic
performances on film, as well as other events in
our area. No previous knowledge is necessary
and all ages are welcome!
If you are curious about why Japanese performing
arts’ unique combination of drama, music,
dance, and spectacle continues to entertain
millions every year, this is a rare chance to find
out more about them!
For more information, visit our website:
www.jetaanc.org/kabuki
Or contact: [email protected]
Sponsored by JETAANC, JCCCNC, and OACC