Hakuzan Kubo: Noh Maskmaker May 4, 2006

Japanese Canadian National Museum Speakers Series and Pangaea Arts present:

Hakuzan Kubo, Noh Maskmaker

Thursday, May 4, 7:00 PM

National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre
6688 Southoaks Cres. (Kingsway & Sperling), Burnaby

Seize this rare opportunity to hear Japanese Noh maskmaker Hakuzan Kubo speak about the history and techniques of Noh maskmaking. He will use a selection of his own masks to illustrate different characters and maskmaking techniques. Kubo and Noh theatre master Akira Matsui are working with Vancouver?s Pangaea Arts to present the Canadian Noh play, "The Gull", written by acclaimed BC poet Daphne Marlatt. "The Gull" speaks of the experience of Japanese Canadians returning to Steveston after the internment years.

An artist from Wakayama prefecture, Hakuzan Kubo was a student of legendary Noh maskmaker Setsu Ikkan. After the death of his teacher Ikkan, Kubo became the head representative of the Noh Mask Cultural Association and the head teacher of the Kita Midou Noh Mask Making School.

Noh is a major form of classical Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century, unique in its slow, spartan grace and its use of distinctive masks. When used by a skilled actor, Noh masks have the ability to depict different emotional expressions according to head pose and lighting.

Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Seating is limited, so please call the National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre at 604-777-7000 to reserve.

Official Website: http://www.nikkeiplace.org