From fireworks festivals to sumo wrestling, Osaka is full of tradition this summer, and for the next few months, the vibrant city is promoting another staple of Japanese culture: Noh theatre. The ancient art with its striking masks and expressive dances is one of the oldest forms of theatre in the world, and from now until October 30, all of Osaka's Noh theatres are coming together to put on the aptly named Osaka Noh Festa to showcase the art.
The event seeks to introduce the uninitiated to Noh theatre through bilingual workshops and performances centred around a few well-known Noh plays. Over the course of the festival, you'll not only see Noh performances, but also get the chance to try on masks, play instruments and more. Read on to find out how to take part in the unique experience.
'Tsuchigumo' at Yamamoto Noh Theater
Yamamoto Noh Theater, Osaka's oldest Noh stage, is holding its Noh workshop and performance on August 31 from 3pm to 5pm. The performance is 'Tsuchigumo', a tale of a band of warriors fighting a giant spider monster. No worries about a language barrier, as a bilingual MC will offer guidance before and during the show.
After the play, you'll have the chance to try on Noh masks and play traditional Japanese drums. You can also head to the second floor of the theatre to sip matcha during a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. All this is included in the price of the ticket.
Tickets are ¥5,000 each and limited to only 50 participants – purchase yours here.
'Hagoromo' and 'Funa-Benkei' at Ohtsuki Noh Theater
The Ohtsuki Noh Theater's performances take place September 22 and 23 from 5pm to 5.50pm. But first, take advantage of the free workshops happening earlier in the day from 11am to 3pm, where you'll get an introduction to the art of Noh and have the chance to make your own paper Noh mask.
The September 22 performance features the play 'Hagoromo', the tale of a fisherman's encounter with a celestial maiden. The September 23 play is 'Funa-Benkei', about the adventures of Yoshitsune and his follower, the titular Benkei. If you're unfamiliar with those plays, no worries. Starting from 4pm there's a lecture explaining the show for ticket holders (in Japanese and English).
Tickets start from ¥5,000 and can be purchased here. (We suggest finding a babysitter for the little ones, as children under six won't be admitted to the performances.)
'Kani Yamabushi', 'Takasago' and 'Hagoromo' at Choyo Kaikan Noh Stage
Choyo Kaikan Noh Stage in Tenma Tenjin is putting on bilingual workshops and performances not only for Noh, but also for Kyogen, a similar yet distinct form of traditional Japanese theatre. The theatre's August 9 goings-on are from 10.30am to 1pm and feature a mix of Kyogen and Noh. The Kyogen play you'll see is 'Kani Yamabushi', a comedy about a monk's encounter with a monster crab. As for the workshop, you'll learn about the meanings behind various movements and gestures used during Kyogen performances, observe Noh mask making, then enjoy a bento lunch and a viewing of 'Hagoromo'.
Another experience takes place on October 30 and comes in two halves. The first half is from 10.30am to 1pm, where you’ll see 'Takasago', a Noh play about an old couple who are the spirits of two ancient pine trees, followed by workshops on Noh masks and musical instruments. You'll finish out the afternoon with another showing of 'Hagoromo'. ('Hagoromo' is kind of a big deal.)
The second half is from 5.30pm to 8pm and is more or less a repeat of the happenings earlier in the day, though the dinner will feature a musical performance of the koto. If nothing else, it's an opportunity to experience the workshops and see the performances again.
Tickets are ¥8,300 and available here (bento meals included).
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