[The National Theatre, Tokyo] Performances in March: “BUNRAKU 1st SESSION” and “Discover NIHONBUYO” (Enjoy theatergoing in Blooming Season!)
2024.03.15
Press release
PDF ver.
The National Theatre has been dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Japanese performing arts since its opening in 1966. After closing at the end of October 2023, we continue to offer performances at other theaters in Tokyo.
As the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, we have two recommended performances, “BUNRAKU 1st SESSION” and “Discover NIHONBUYO”.
We invite you to visit us for your spring outing and experience the charms of traditional Japanese performing arts!
BUNRAKU 1st SESSION - BUNRAKU Performances in March -
Bunraku is a traditional theatrical art in which the voice of the tayū (narrator), the music from the Shamisen (a three-stringed Japanese musical instrument), and the movements of the puppets fabricate to present a story.
The National Theatre will take on a new challenge, staging one of Bunraku's greatest masterpieces, "The Love Suicides at Sonezaki : The Forest by the Tenjin Shrine Scene," employing the background art for anime instead of the stage settings.
Under the visual supervision of puppeteer KIRITAKE Kanjūrō, the background art was created by OGA Kazuo, who has created the backgrounds for many classic anime such as "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Princess Mononoke." The premiere of the performances abroad.
English audio guides will be available for rent, and Free English program brochures will be distributed.
Performance Information
Venue : Yurakucho Yomiuri Hall
Performance Dates
March 23 (Sat.) - March 29 (Fri.), 2024
Performance Times
16:00 - 17:00 (except March 23)
18:30 - 19:30
◇For more information including tickets on BUNRAKU 1st SESSION.
Discover NIHONBUYO - An Invitation to Japanese Traditional Dance -
The National Theatre has been holding regular performances titled "Discover " to provide foreign audiences with opportunities to enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts such as Kabuki and Bunraku since 2015.
This Spring, Discover NIHONBUYO will be held for the first time. NIHONBUYO is a performing art in which expressive dances, coupled with vocals, Shamisen and Hayashi music, depict seasonal scenery or various tales and legends.
This performance will give you the exciting opportunity to learn the “ABCs” of NIHONBUYO through entertaining and informative commentary and performances of various masterpieces by leading artists. Free English program brochures will be distributed, and English subtitles will be shown on the screen in front of your seat. First-time theatergoers will not have to worry!
Performance Information
Venue : the National Noh Theatre
Performance Date
March 24(Sun.), 2024
Performance Times
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
◇For more information including tickets on Discover NIHONBUYO.
National Theatre Ticket Centre
Tickets are available at the National Theatre Ticket Centre.
By Phone in Japanese and English (10:00-18:00)
0570-07-9900 (From overseas: +81-3-3230-3000)
Online
https://ticket.ntj.jac.go.jp/top_e.htm
About The National Theatre
The Theatre was established in 1966 for the purpose of preserving and promoting traditional Japanese performing arts.
Over the years, it has showcased diverse performances in this genre and organized programs to help beginners and international audiences better understand the arts.
However, the Theatre was closed for reconstruction at the end of October 2023. Nonetheless, it continues to present performances at other venues in Tokyo.
Contact
Publicity Division, National Theatre Production Department
TEL 03-3265-6163 Mail seisakusenden-nt@ntj.jac.go.jp
Photos (from the left):
1. The National Theatre
2. BUNRAKU 1st SESSION Flyer
3. BUNRAKU 1st SESSION Flyer
4. BUNRAKU 1st SESSION Photo by OGAWA Tomoko
5. BUNRAKU 1st SESSION Photo by OGAWA Tomoko
6. Discover NIHONBUYO Flyer
7. Discover NIHONBUYO Flyer
8. NIHONBUYO Performed by FUJIMA Etsuko
9. NIHONBUYO Performed by YAMAMURA Tomogorō, YOSHIMURA Koyū
10. NIHONBUYO Performed by NISHIKAWA Minosuke, NISHIKAWA Kei
