RAKUGO is back again by strong popular demand!
RAKUGO or described as Japanese traditional “Sit-down” comedy, is the monodrama with
funny stories. Having its origin in 16th century and established during Edo era (17-18th century), RAKUGO has been verbally passed down through one generation to another.
The performances in Kuala Lumpur in 2003 had brought a lot of laughter to Malaysian audiences. Reflect to the very well responce of the previous performances, The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur brings them again to Malaysia to introduce completely brand new funny stories which will be performed in English to enable all Malaysians to enjoy the fascinating performance.
Date & Time
9 (Fri) September 2005 @ 8:30pm
10 (Sat) September 2005 @ 3pm & 8:30pm
Venue
Pentas 2, KL-PAC (Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre)
Sentul West, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Ipoh, KL
Ticket
RM 32, RM 17 (Students & JFKL members)
available at: The Actors Studio@BSC box office Tel: 03-2094 0400 / 1400
KL-PAC box office Tel: 03-4047 9000
Enquiry
The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2161 2104
Email: jpcc@jfkl.org.my
URL: https://www.jfkl.org.my
What is RAKUGO?
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.
About RAKUGO performers
RAKUGO apprentices or “Deshi” must stay for three or four years with the Master either in Tokyo or Osaka. They usually live in the Master’s house and do everything that the Master orders. They are not allowed to have any privacy and must learn everything following the Master during their stay in the “family”.
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.
There are only a few “families” of RAKUGO performers, like Katsura, Hayashiya, Shofukutei, Shumputei, Yanagiya etc but about 650 professional Rakugo performers. However, among 650 professionals, there are just a few performers can perform Rakugo in English too, including Katsura Kaishi & Katsura Asakichi. English Rakugo performances are most welcomed abroad because of the language used deepen the understanding of this traditional performing art among foreign audiences.
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.
