The 58th Kyoto University Noh Theater took place at the Kyoto Kanze Nohplay Theater in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. The Noh Theater is one of two cultural events held annually for the University's students, faculty, and staff, the other one being the Kyoto University Anniversary Concert.
This year's Noh Theater program consisted of the Kyogen play, "Uo-Zekkyo" (The Fish Sermon), and the hakuto ("white hair") variation of the Noh drama, "Yamanba" (Mountain Witch). The audience, which included longtime fans as well as first-timers, exploded in laughter as the protagonist of "Uo-Zekkyo", a novice priest, delivered a fake sermon that actually consisted of names of fish strung together, and appeared utterly mesmerized by the dance of the witch in "Yamanba", performed to the accompaniment of flute and drum music.
The organizers hope to present more of such events in the future to promote interest in Japan's traditional arts, especially among students.
Kyogen play "Uo-Zekkyo"
Noh drama "Yamanba" (the hakuto variation)
