Rakugo: Traditional Japanese Comedy July 10, 2008

Part impressionist, part storyteller, all comedian, Kaishi Katsura brings his unique take on one of Japan’s oldest comedy traditions to the United States for a 30 performance tour. Kaishi was appointed as a cultural exchange ambassador by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs. He has been touring across the U.S. since April on a mission to spread the traditional Japanese humor stylings of Rakugo.

Rakugo is a 400 year old comedy tradition that requires a great deal of skill and imagination from its practitioners. Seated on a small cushion and wearing kimono, the comedians put on one-man plays using a wide variety of voices, facial expressions and two required props: a folding fan (sensu) and a small hand towel (tenugui). These props will take on an amazing array of meanings and usage throughout a performance.

Official Website: http://www.embjapan.org/jicc