‘Kanagawa Renew Classic Project 2016′ was held on 9 September in Odawara. Event is organized every year for presentation Japanese traditional music and theatre in renewed forms. Program was divided into three parts: concert, farce presented between noh plays or during the interlude of a noh play called ‘kyogen’ and noh theatre play.

At first, there was one-hour concert of foreign and Japanese musicians, who were playing together. During the concert, I could hear some elements similar to the Japanese classic music, but in general, it was completly different kind of music. Actually, the band was composed of musicians, who specialize in various types of music. Makigami Koichi quartet, FOOD and Arzhan Suu created absolutely original and unique music composition. Combination of saxophone, theremin, percussion and electronics made that in fact, it sounded like kind of jazz. Moreover, except of playing the instrument, one peron was making specific noise. It wasn’t similar to the human’s voice and all the audience was incredibly impressed.

Then, I was watching kyogen farce called ‘Buzo’. Unfortunately, I didn’t know the plot at all and it was really difficult to me to understand anything.. In general, I can understand Japanese quite well, but in the traditional Japanese theatre, actors speak acoording to the specific rhythm, what makes catching words harder, than during regular speaking. However, reactions of Japanese audience seemed like the play was interesting and funny, because they were laughing a lot.
The last one, was Noh theatre play called ‘Youchisouga’. The same like in case of the previous one, I couldn’t understand the plot, but this time, except of dialogues, actors were gesturing and moving a lot. However, my favourite elements of Noh theatre are splendorous and beautiful costumes! Every time I watch it, I wonder, how the actors can move in theese multilayer, heavy costumes…

Summary

‘Kanagawa Renew Classic Project’ is not one of the typical turistic event and if you don’t know Japanese language well, it would be difficult to enjoy stage performances. Nevertheless, it’s worth seeing because of unique character of concert and specific atmosphere of Noh theatre plays.

Weronika Golubska

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* This article was written by a trainee from overseas. Please note that there might be spelling and grammar mistakes.