Katsubenshi: Two Silent Films Narrated by Koyata Aso July 15, 2006

Japanese Canadian National Museum Speakers Series presents:

Katsubenshi: Two Silent Films Narrated by Koyata Aso

Saturday, July 15, 2006
2:00 p.m.

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

Free Admission

Katsubenshi is the exciting Japanese language tradition of silent film narration. The art of katsuben developed in early 20th century Japan, as costumed benshi narrators on platforms at the front of the theatre voiced the action unfolding on screen.

The Japanese Canadian National Museum presents Koyata Aso, a prominent young silent film narrator from Japan. Following in the footsteps of her father, veteran benshi narrator Yata Aso, Koyata Aso is now in her early 20s and has been performing katsubenshi for over ten years.

Join us for the screening of two short films: "The Adventurer" (20 min.), produced by Charlie Chaplin, and an excerpt from the Japanese yakuza period drama "Kunisada Chuji" (5 min.), starring Sawada Shojiro.

Bring the whole family to enjoy this fascinating performance, and be prepared to join in the narration!

Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. For more information: 604-777-7000, ext. 111.

“Watching her narrate Charlie Chaplin's 1927 film “The Adventurer'' … is an adventure in itself. She shouts at the top of her lungs; she puts her face through wild contortions; she jumps up and down. It's difficult to imagine this teenager was ever shy … .”
-- Asahi Shimbun

Japanese website:
http://www.katsuben.com/

English article from Asahi Shimbun:
http://www.asahi.com/english/lifestyle/TKY200503050140.html

Official Website: http://jcnm.ca/special_events.htm