Inspiring art of storytelling
Last February 22, 2017, the queue to Ayala Cinema 1 was evident. When we found our seats, the whole cinema was filled up. And when the music was played, we watched our timepieces; it was seven o'clock, exactly the time printed in the program. There was complete silence after the performer was introduced. The performer ascended to an elevated table with a cushion on top at the center of the table, and a microphone in front. No elaborate props but only a fan and a hand towel. And the term for this kind of performance is perhaps new to the young generation. It's Rakugo, a Japanese art of storytelling. And probably for a number in the audience, it was a first experience to witness a unique performance where the performer was just sitting all throughout the performance.
I have known Japanese as hardworking, extremely polite and serious. Rakugo is interesting because when we think about Japanese culture we don't think about humor-and rakugo is all about humor. And to see one who displayed exactly a dissimilar characteristic, is relatively a new experience.
This century-old Japanese storytelling genre based on comical monologues is like a sitcom with one person playing all the parts. It is verbal art and a humorous entertainment at the same time. It's not just a series of jokes, in discrete segments; it's a continuous story. Unable to fall back on costumes and scenery, it is the job of the rakugoka to inspire the imagination of the audience through the skill employed in portraying the world of the story. The punch line is known as the ochi (literally, the "drop") and a good delivery is essential to a successful performance.
And as an educator this kind of performance can be very much used in teaching as a strategy to capture the attention of our students, much more our children. As it uses the voice and gestures to portray several characters, it leaves so much space for the audience to explore the world of imagination.
After fourteen years that it was shown in Cebu, this year's performance was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Cebuanos to witness the live performance. Kudos to the Arts Council of Cebu for bringing this Japanese traditional performance that we Cebuanos have been entertained, and learned. Thank you for bringing Katsura Kaishi, master storyteller for Rakugo in English, so it was easier for non-Japanese speaking audience.
A great learning from it is that though this kind of performance has existed for so long, it is still popular among Japanese. Rakugo remains popular as one of Japan's representative classical arts. And in schools, it is common for schools to invite rakugoka to perform for children studying traditional arts. Many Japanese people in their twenties first experienced rakugo at school. This means this traditional performance has been part of Japan's formal academic endeavors.
With so much foreign influences in our culture, it is indeed high time to popularize what we truly have by showcasing in a worldwide arena. Such promotion of arts and culture contributes to the global understanding and peace.
Personally it was a great opportunity for my Humanities 1 classes and my son to have significant learning through traditional Japanese dances, songs and costumes. Especially for my son who is extremely fascinated with practically anything about Japan and the Japanese people.
My son's dream of going to the land of the rising sun has been reinforced. It inspired him more as he heard stories presented in a unique way. Rakugo has lived in the lives of the Japanese and that night it has inspired others, my son, and the Cebuanos. It has endeared our hearts.
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