Yokohama Noh Theater will hold an introductory workshop on Japan's classical stage forms, noh and kyogen, for foreign residents Dec. 16.
To help participants understand the basics of noh drama and kyogen comedy, Helen Rebecca Teele, one of very few foreign noh performers in Japan, will give a lecture in English, using the noh "Kayoi Komachi (The Courtship of Komachi)" and the kyogen "Kiku no Hana (The Chrysanthemum)" as examples. The two plays will be performed at the theater later in the day.
Workshop participants will explore such dramatic basics as the distinctive suriashi walk, wearing masks and the use of fans. The distinctive drums and flute used in noh performance will also be demonstrated.
The lecture-workshop is 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and the performance, 2-4 p.m.; 1,000 yen for the lecture and workshop only and 4,300 yen for the lecture with lunch and the performance. To register, call the theater at (045) 263-3055. Yokohama Noh Theater is a 15-minute walk from JR Sakuragicho Station.