Japan Foundation Talks on Classical Performing Arts July 21 & 22

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Co-presented by Consulate General of Japan in Toronto and The Japan Foundation

Two Talks with DVD presentations by
Michiko HIRAMA
Lecturer, musicologist, Toho Gakuen School of Music, Tokyo
in English

Four Major Genres of Japanese Classical Performing Arts
1) Gagaku and Noh: July 21, 2011 (Thursday) 6:30-8:30 pm
2) Bunraku and Kabuki: July 22, 2011 (Friday) 6:30-8:30 pm

Reservation Required: 416.966.1600 x.102, http://www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php
Free admission
At The Japan Foundation , Toronto
131 Bloor Street West, Suite 213, Second floor of The Colonnade



Bugaku (dance with Gagaku): Ranryo-O, Bunraku: The Courier for Hell
Noh: Motomezuka, Kabuki: Musume Dojoji

One of the characteristics of Japanese performing arts is the co-existence of various forms which were born even centuries apart. Older forms did not necessarily drift away. Rather, they survived, evolving in sophistication, even influencing the most contemporary avant-garde.

Structural changes of Japanese society have often been reflected in art forms, particularly the performing arts. Those ascending in the hierarchy sought to create their own new forms of expression, creating their own theatre, dance, and music. We will sample four of the major genres and examine the tensions and conflicts between the layers.