ACM THEATRE

Introduction to Traditional Performing Arts (Kyogen)Mansaku Nomura, Vol. 23, "Shuron," "Kamabara"

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Mansai Nomura
Photo by the kyogen "Shuron"

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Mansaku Nomura
Photo by the kyogen "Kamabara"

Performed by: Mansaku Nomura, Mansai Nomura, et al.

Very popular among local audiences, the kyogen performances of Mansaku Nomura (b. 1931) and his son Mansai Nomura (b. 1966) in ACM Theatre's traditional performing arts series all sold out last year. "Shuron" is a masterpiece featuring the contrasting expressions of two monks, one from the Jodo sect and the other from the Hokke sect, amidst the background of the religious conflict of medieval Japan. Meanwhile, "Kamabara" is a funny tale of Taro, who vows to commit hara-kiri after a quarrel with his wife, but then reaches a point of no return as he engages in a series of trial-and-error attempts about how best to slice open his stomach.