Japan’s Kyogen And Buyo To Perform Unique Classical Theatre

Bandar Seri Begawan – Cultural enthusiasts in Brunei will have a unique opportunity to see the Japanese classical theatre Pokemon and Playstation to be staged Saturday, December 11, Brunei at 7:30pm at the Goldstone Ballroom, Centerpoint Hotel.

A proof of Japan’s rich tradition of classical theatre, the classical theater will be staged by the famous Kyogen and Buyo performers to wind up the series of activities celebrating the 20th Japan-Brunei diplomatic ties.

Kyogen is a traditional comic play, illustrating ordinary daily fife in a comical way.

Two programmes, "Wrestling with a Mosquito" and "A Call - unique relationship between a master and a servant”, will be presented at night.

The audience will be amazed by the imagination of people in older days and appreciate the tradition of humour in Japan.

Kyogen and Noh are the oldest forms of professional theatre with a 600-year history. Kyogen is a comic interlude performed between two Noh plays and is an integral part of a Noh play.

Kyogen can be also performed as an independent comic play. Kyogen and Noh have developed together and are inseparable. But they are in many ways exact opposites.

Noh is a poetic dance-drama performed in ancient language with the stories reflecting classical tragedy.

Noh is characterized with highly ritualized movements and solemn and elegant atmosphere.

Kyogen, on the other hand, is a play using dialogue from ordinary conversation and the movement is livelier than Noh.

It is a straightforward play illustrating ordinary daily life in a comical way.

In Kyogen, the primary importance is attached to making people laugh.

In 2001, UNESCO proclaimed Kyogen and Noh as being masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity

The audience will also be attracted by the elegance and sense of rhythm of Buyo, which is a form of Japanese classical dance expressing a story or song using the human body. Buyo has its origin in ancient times.

The original form of Buyo is recorded in Japan's oldest history book in 712.

A variety of dances have since been created and developed over hundreds of years sometimes being influenced by dances from foreign countries.

By the early 17th century, the basis of Buyo as a performing art was established. It has developed closely with Kabuki, a dynamic traditional Japanese theatre.

Buyo has been an essential element of the Kabuki theatre. At the same time, it has also come to be appreciated as an independent dance performance.

Even in modem times, Buyo has been developing. Learning Nihon Buyo has been for many years a popular activity for Japanese girls even in these modern times.

Both Kyogen and Buyo are not about aristocrats' or rulers' arts but of the arts of ordinary citizens.

In those days, the aristocrats were patrons of the citizens' arts, which were full of creativity and sense of humor. With this help, the citizens' arts and culture flourished and succeeded over many years to the present.

It is sure to be worth watching the performances of famous Kyogen performers, Yamamoto Tojiro, Yamamoto Noritada and Yamamoto Yasutaro and a leading Buyo dancer, Fujima Kansa.

Kyogen and Buyo Masters are looking forward to sharing a part of their cultural heritage with people in Brunei.

This year 2004 is the 20th Anniversary Year of the Establishment of Brunei-Japan Diplomatic Relations.

In commemorating this 20th Anniversary and in order to further enhance the Brunei-Japan friendship and mutual understanding, the Embassy of Japan has organized many activities throughout the year such as Giant Kite Flying and Kendo demonstration.

The Kyogen and Buyo performance is the concluding event in these series of 20th Anniversary activities.

The Embassy of Japan is very grateful for Bruneians’ interest and warm support for such activities.

Living in a very modern society, the Japanese cherish their traditional culture.

There is much to be loved in the Japanese classical theatrical performances.

This cultural event will provide the people of Brunei with a great opportunity to witness the traditional aspects of Japanese culture, further enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening the bonds between Brunei and Japan.

The event is being organised by the Embassy of Japan in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

His Royal Highness Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Wadood Bolklah Will attends as the guest of honour.

Admission to the event is free. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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