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Rakugo, a
comedic storytelling performance, by Katsura
Koharudanji, will be shown at the Donald Keene Center
of Japanese Culture, Columbia University on Thursday,
February 8th. Katsura
Koharudanji is a Kamigata-style rakugo comedy
storyteller from Osaka. In addition to his activities
in Japan, he has performed in many countries working
to achieve international exchange through rakugo, a
form of Japanese traditional popular entertainment,
which originated among the common people. Mr.
Koharudanji established a non-profit organization
dedicated to the promotion of rakugo last year. Its
mission statement says that "We would like to enhance
people's understanding of Japanese culture and
Japanese people, who tend to be seen as diligent and
serious, that never tell a joke, though actually have
a very rich sense of humor. Also, we would like people
to see "real Japanese people."
Mr. Koharudanji has performed in many countries, such
as Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Norway, South
Korea, and Canada. He has also received the Japanese
Ministry of Culture's "New Performers Award"and
Europe's "Perrier Award". This February, Katsura
Koharudanji will come to New York as a Special Advisor
for Cultural Exchange from the Agency for Cultural
Affairs, and in addition to his performance at the
Donald Keene Center, he is scheduled to give rakugo
demonstrations and lectures in Pittsburgh and Boston.
Please see our
Event Calendar or the
Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture website
for further information. (Admission is free. Please go
to the Donald Keene Center directly. )
Rakugo is a traditional popular entertainment that
recounts the trials and tribulations of the common
man. From ghosts to geisha, samurai to salary-men, the
solo performer brings scores of characters to life in
tales punctuated by gestures, the occasional ad-lib,
and rakugo's characteristic punch-line. Dressed in
full kimono, the rakugo-ka (rakugo comedy storyteller)
sits on a silk cushion, and with only a fan and a
handkerchief as props, he populates the stage with
lusty young men, beautiful maidens, and the occasional
cow.
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