Noh, Kyogen performances held for students, faculty, and staff (15 December 2017)

On 15 December 2017, Kyoto University hosted Noh and Kyogen performances for its students, faculty, and staff at the Kyoto Kanze Noh Theater. This annual event, now in its 61st year, is one of the University's two extracurricular educational programs. The other is the Anniversary Concert held in June on the KyotoU Foundation Day.

A large crowd of both newcomers and longtime fans, who look forward to the performances every year, came out to watch the 2017 program, comprised of the Kyogen play Kamabara ("Suicide with a Sickle") and a version of the Noh drama Aoi no Ue ("Lady Aoi") staged with special features ( kogaki ) called Azusa no De and Ku no Inor .

The event began with members of the student Noh club Kanze-kai introducing, partly in English, the day's program as well as the distinct characteristics and appeal of Japanese traditional performing arts.

The audience first watched Kamabara , erupting in laughter as the protagonist, a lazy and faint-hearted man, tried without success creative ways to commit suicide with a sickle. In the following Noh drama, the entire crowd was captivated by the fierce confrontation between a priest and the vengeful ikiryo ("living spirit") of Lady Rokujo, who held a ferocious grudge against Lady Aoi, staged with intense flute-and-drum music.

The event was well-received by the attendees, especially students, who enjoyed the opportunity to experience and appreciate Japan's theatrical tradition and culture.