Photo= A foreigner showing off the results of three weeks of hard practice (Ooe Noh Theater, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto)

A classical Japanese entertainment recital by foreigners, who received training from the foremost Kyogen and Noh masters, was held at the Ooe Nougakudou, a Noh theater in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, on August 13.The participants appeared on stage with serious faces, showing off their repertoire with its unique vocalization and elegant movements, and delighting approximately 180 residents and visitors.

This is a part of the Traditional Theater Training course, in which foreigners experience traditional performing arts, promoted by the Kyoto Art Center in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto. This year, 18 people from 14 countries participated in this program. Divided into three courses consisting of Noh, Kyogen, and classical Japanese dance, the participants took full-fledged lessons over about three weeks from masters in each sphere, such as Shingo Katayama, a Noh master of the Kanze School.

This day, the participants in costumes performed a representative program titled "Shibiri" and others during the Kyogen performances. They acted humorous stories with intoned utterances and well-matched movements, evoking laughter from the audience.

Jacopo Veronese, an actor from Italy who performed Noh, said, "The training was tough, but it resulted in this achievement on stage. I want to spread classical Japanese entertainment to many people after returning home."