RAKUGO is back again by strong popular demands!
RAKUGO or described as Japanese traditional “Sit-down” comedy, is the monodrama with

funny stories. Having its origin in 16^th century and established during Edo era (17-18^th century), RAKUGO has been verbally passed down through one generation to another.

The dates, times and venue as follow:

Venue
Pentas 2, KL-PAC (Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre)
Sentul West, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Ipoh, KL

Enquiry
The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2161 2104
Email: jpcc@jfkl.org.my
URL: http://www.jfkl.org.my

RAKUGO, Topper Story in literal meaning, is the Japanese traditional comedy monodrama. Performers sit on a small mattress in front of the audience and act out stories with a comic style and structure. In RAKUGO, the performer can be a narrator, but usually performs the actual characters in the story. These characters converse without a narrator coming between them. The challenge for the performer is switching from one distinct character to another. Each character represents exaggerated aspects of the human personality, which we can all readily related to. The predicaments, which they find themselves in, are part of everyday life.

When the apprenticeship is completed, the Master gives them their names as a professional RAKUGO performer or “Rakugo-ka” by taking the family name of each “Rakugo-ka” family tree and one syllable from their own first name.  For example, from the names, we knew that KATSURA Kaishi & KATSURA Asakichi learned from the same ‘family’.  A performer’s name immediately signals his artistic lineage.

Performer’s Profile

KATSURA KAISHI 桂かい枝

Started his career as a Rakugo performer in 1994. He is a pupil of Katsura Bunshi. He has been active in Rakugo in English and also creative with new Rakugo stories. Katsura is one of the major English Rakugo performers in Japan. Won a prize of Osaka Cultural Prize 2001, in division of performing art.

Overseas Performances: USA (1998), Singapore (1999 & 2000), Germany (2000), Australia (2001 & 2002), Thailand (2002), Malaysia (2000, 2002 & 2003), the Philippines (2003) Chicago, USA (2004)

KATSURA ASAKICHI 桂 あさ吉

Started his career as a Rakugo performer in 1993. He is a pupil of Katsura Kiccho. His main concentration is performing classic Rakugo in the traditional style. Katsura is also a good fue (Japanese flute) player and often plays fue for the performance as well. Won a prize of NHK Comedy Performance in 2001.

Overseas Performances: USA (1998), Singapore (1999 & 2000), Germany (2000), Australia (2001 & 2002), Thailand (2002), Malaysia (2000, 2002 & 2003), the Philippines (2003) Chicago, USA (2004)

HAYASHIYA KAZUME (Shamisen) 林家 和女

Started her career as a Shamisen (Japanese three-stringed lute like musical instrument) player in 1981. She is one of very few professional Shamisen players in Japan and mainly plays for Rakugo shows. Her sister is also one of very few female Rakugo Performers.

Overseas Performances: USA (1996, 1998 & 1999), Singapore (1999 & 2000), Australia (1997, 2001 & 2002), Thailand & Malaysia (2002 & 2003), the Philippines (2003) Chicago (2004)

PEARL FLASH パール・フラッシュ

Started her career as a professional magician in 1995. She has won the first prize at Naniwa Magic Convention in 1996. Her specialty is magic with silk handkerchief.

OSHIMA KIMIE (MC / Producer) 大島 希巳江

Started to produce Rakugo in English as part of her research in 1997, and had a successful USA Tour in 1998. She has B.A. in International Affairs and graduated in 1993 from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Oshima also has M.A. in International Communication, and Ph.D. in Education and Sociolinguistic studies at the International Christian University. She is now an Associate Professor at Bunkyo Gakuin University and a speaker of “Hello from Tokyo”, NHK International Broadcasting Radio.