Komparu Ensemble, Tokyo: "Funa Benkei" (Benkei on the Ship)

Two dramas performed in Berlin by the Komparu Nō-Ensemble, whose tradition can be traced back to Komparu Zenchiku, the famous fifteenth century actor. This form of theater, listed as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, captivates audiences with its tales of gods and heroes, its extravagant costumes and masks and its stylized dance language. Only five schools teach this art in Japan, and one of them is Komparu, which came into life after a split in the oldest Noh school.

The ensemble is touring Germany with “Benkei on the Ship”, scenes from a tragedy surrounding two lovers and a sea battle with an army of ghosts, and “Lady Aoi”, an adaptation of episodes from a novel by the lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu. A prestigious and appropriate beginning of a year of celebrations marking the establishment of German-Japanese relations 150 years ago.

In cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, the Deutsch-Japanische Gesellschaft Berlin, the Japanisch-Deutsches Zentrum Berlin and Bunkacho. With the kind support of ANA – All Nippon Airways

Further event:

Komparu Ensemble: "Aoi no Ue"

Nō Theatre | Thu 20.01.2011 | 20:00 h | with work introduction more...