Noh Running!

When I went to Kidzania on Tuesday, I met the managing director of a local Noh theatre and she gave me a ticket to attend Noh workshops plus a  performance of the Noh play, Kakitsubata. So, after getting some lesson planning done in the morning, I went to the theatre.

The first workshop was interesting. I was taught how to play the nohkan, the flute which is played in Noh performances. It was really difficult! I just about managed to get two notes of it - about 20% of the time. Finding the correct position to place the nohkan against your chin facing your lips seemed like a matter of pure chance. The difference between producing a sound and producing no sound was imperceptible to me. The finger positioning was pure agony. I have a new respect for these musicians. Give me the taiko any day.

In the second workshop I practised singing in Noh style. I did a bit better at that, I think. The next three workshops were just lectures; one about the drum, one about the mask and one about movement. Finally, we were treated to a forty minute performance of Kakitsubata. Well, let:s just say Noh is an acquired taste. Not for me, I'm afraid. 

Here's a taster.

After sitting down all morning planning lessons, then sitting down all afternoon in the theatre, I was bursting for a run, so the extra was taken on the way back from an exhilarating 22 kilometers run. The rest of the lesson planning will have to wait until tomorrow morning.