On 14 December, 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 60th year, is one of the University's two extracurricular educational programs, the other being the Anniversary Concert held on foundation day in June.
A large crowd of longtime fans, who look forward to the performances every year, as well as newcomers flocked to the venue to watch the Kyogen play Kobu-uri ("Seaweed Seller") and Noh drama Izutsu ("Well Cradle"). During the former, the audience erupted in laughter when, in a hilarious reversal of roles, an arrogant feudal lord began to chant, sing, and then dance to hawk seaweed for a merchant he had earlier forced to carry his sword. In the following Noh drama, the entire crowd was captivated by the ghostly love story told against the backdrop of an abandoned temple in the fall, accompanied by a flute and drum.
Kyogen Kobu-uri
Noh Izutsu
