能 Noh Theater: Artists-in-Residence
Explore the beauty and artistry of Noh, one of Japan’s premier performing arts. Two leading Noh actors of the Kanze School (Tokyo) lead Noh movement and music workshops and demonstration/lectures delving into Noh’s aesthetics, philosophy, musical techniques, movement and dance, and dramaturgy. Dances and song from the warrior Noh play Kiyotsune reveal Noh’s grounding in Japan’s poetry, folk and epic tales, and spiritual traditions. The Uzawas bring to Oberlin long experience collaborating with contemporary artists and public advocacy for the 700-year-old tradition of Noh.
Join us for 1, 2, or all 3 Noh artist events, taught by accomplished Noh performers from Tokyo. All events feature an act from the Noh warrior play Kiyotsune, with each workshop introducing different elements of Noh costumes, masks, staging, and more. The Noh workshop portions require no prior dance or music background or experience. Just wear comfortable clothing and socks and a curiosity to learn.
Noh Theater: Artists-in-Residence Schedule
Wednesday, April 2
- 12:00-1:30p.m. Noh Movement Workshop Part I
- Warner Main Space, Warner Center
- 6:00-7:30 p.m. Noh Music Workshop & Demonstration Kiyotsune 能『清経』
Thursday, April 3
- 12:15-1:30 p.m. Noh Movement Workshop Part II
- Warner Main Space, Warner Center
- CANCELLED: 5:00-6:00 p.m. Noh Demonstration/Lecture Kiyotsune 能『清経』
- Please attend other events
All events are free and open to Oberlin College students, faculty, and staff, and Oberlin Community members. “Noh Information Packet” and registration forms will be available by March 10 2025. For information please contact asherif@oberlin.edu.
Noh Performers
Hisa Uzawa ( 鵜澤久 ) and Uzawa Hikaru ( 鵜澤光 ) are Noh actors in the Tessenkai branch, Kanze School of Noh theater in Tokyo. Leading performers and teachers in the formerly all-male Noh theater, the Uzawas have also collaborated internationally with contemporary dance troupes, contemporary and classical theater, and avant-garde Butoh.
Award-winning Noh performer Uzawa Hisa has been designated a "cultural treasure" by the Japanese government. She is one of the first women to act as a main masked role performer of Noh (shite) and be recognized as a professional. Hisa’s recent performances include traditional Noh, Yukio Mishima’s modern Noh Madame de Sade in Tokyo, and a collaborative performance piece with S. Korean performers on Korean and Japan’s shared histories (Seoul and Tokyo).
Uzawa Hikaru has trained under such masters of the Kanze School as her own mother- Hisa Uzawa, her own grandfather- the late Masashi Uzawa, and Kanze Tetsunojō IX. She has collaborated with traditional and contemporary performers and dancers in Japan, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Paris, Norway, and North America. She teaches courses on Noh performance at Rikkyo University in Tokyo.
Sponsored by East Asian Studies, Art History, Comparative Literature, Dance, History, Theater, Religion, Shansi, Dean of the Conservatory, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Open to all members of the Oberlin campus community
