Kyogen is an ancient traditional Japanese play form. In contrast to the highly styalized and subtle forms of Noh, Kyogen is realistic and lively. Though still stylized, Kyogen is much simpler than Noh so has a much wider appeal to the general audience. Originally Kyogen was performed as supplementrary entertainment during Noh plays, but then became an independent form.

In order to introduce Kyogen to a British audience, Professor Masaru Sekine from the University of Waseda in Tokyo has been invited to the Oriental Institute in Oxford from 26th January until 7th March 2008. There will be a series of public lectures, and a performance of Kyogen plays.

Dr Brian Powell, formerly lecturer in Japanese studies specializing in the Japanese performing arts at Oxford and fellow of Keble college, directed and staged the Japanese play, "Yoritomo no Shi" (Death of Yoritomo) before his retirment in 2004 at the O'Reilly Theater in Keble college. The third year Japanese Studies undergraduates acted in the play. We aim to honour this tradition, particularly because we no longer have a scholar specialising in Japanese theatre studies at Oxford and there are indeed very few in the UK. Our aim is to introduce the joy of Japanese performing arts to a British audience.

Writer and Director

		Professor Masaru Sekine was born into a Noh family and his father, elder brother and various other members of the family are prominent performers of  the Kanze school. Professor Sekine also trained as a Noh performer until he decided to pursue academic study in England at the age of thirty. He now lectures in performing arts at The International School of Liberal Studies, Waseda University, Tokyo. Professor Sekine maintained his interests in acting as well as directing and writing. Rather than Noh, he has recently worked with the Kyogen form. He has recently written and directed plays which have been performed in Nagoya, Rome and Tokyo. Professor Sekine's relaxed and pleasant manner never fails to charm, and actors tend to enjoy his precise yet warm approach.
Masaru Sekine

Producers

		Noriko Kawahashi has worked with Professor Sekine to produce Kyogen plays since 2004. She is warm and friendly and very supportive to the actors.
Noriko Kawahashi

		Hiroe Kaji teaches Japanese language at the Oriental Institute. Hiroe is the Oxford contact for the Kyogen project. For all information including seat reservations, please contact: hiroe.kaji@orinst.ox.ac.uk
Hiroe Kaji