Kyoto Prefecture |
Mibu Kyogen
(Designated by the national government as an important intangible folk cultural property) |
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| The stage, with its unusual configuration,
is designated as an important cultural asset.
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Masked theater in which Buddhist teachings are expressed through
movements of the body and hand gestures
Nenbutsu kyogen (prayer to the Buddha in the form of comic drama) was originated by the monk Engaku at Mibudera Temple approximately 700 years ago. Through the actors wear masks, as in conventional kyogen theater, they say no lines and remain silent. Musical accompaniment is provided by a gong, struck slowly and rhythmically, a drum, and a flute. The actors' performance consists entirely of movements of the body and hand gestures. There are some 30 plays in all, and the performance always begins with Horaku wari (Smashing Plates) to ward off evil. In addition to Oketori (By the Bucket) and Atago mairi (The Pilgrimage to Mt. Atago), which are unique to Mibudera, there are also a number of plays common to the Noh repertoire, such as Hashi Benkei (Benkei on Gojo Bridge), Oeyama (Mt. Oe), and Tsuchigumo (The Demon Spider). Nenbutsu kyogen is an unusual example of Japanese sacred theater and has aroused great interest both in Japan and overseas. Performances have been staged in places such as in Hawaii and Hong Kong. |
Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto ／Performed April 21 through 29
Also held on setsubun (the day before the beginning of spring) and in October
Mibudera Temple
TEL:075-841-3381
http://www.kyoto.zaq.ne.jp/mibu/kyougen.htm |
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| An elegant stage set with the seasons of Kyoto as its theme. |
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The largest performance of Kyoto-style dancing, evoking the colors of spring in Gion
Miyako Odori is performed in April in Kyoto, at a stage in Gion not far from Yasaka Shrine. It is an event that rivals the excitement generated when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. These dance performances are well known even overseas, where they are called the "Cherry Dances." They began in 1872 (Meiji 5) as part of a plan to promote Kyoto for the first National Exposition. The Gion district has been a center for the traditional performing arts of singing and dancing since the early Edo period (1603-1868), and it is here that the Inoue school of Kyoto dance has been handed down from generation to generation. Miyako Odori is a large-scale event featuring performances of this style of dancing by maiko and geiko (apprentice and full-fledged geisha) of the Gion district. It is an unsurpassed opportunity to experience the traditional dance forms of Kyoto in all their splendor. The 130th performance will take place in spring 2002, choreographed by INOUE Yachiyo V, who succeeded to her professional name in 2001.
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Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto／Performed April 1 through 30
Gion Koubu Kabukai
TEL:075-541-3391 |
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