The Traditional Japanese Comedic Theater: Unveiling the Essence of Human Nature

This study analyzes critical issues involved in organizing performances of Kyogen, the Japanese traditional comedic theater. Kyogen has a continuous history of over 600 years. In 2001, Kyogen was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Kyogen script often unveils the essence of human nature, depicting humor in predicaments and foibles. The satirical elements in the libretti are artistically expressed by highly stylized comical movements and caricatured facial expressions, which evoke feelings of lightheartedness. Despite the cultural and stylistic significance of Kyogen, this form of Japanese traditional theater has been little recognized outside of Japan. Providing Kyogen performances in educational settings outside of Japan helps revive fundamental elements of Japan\u27s traditional theater, and promotes cross-cultural understanding by emphasizing the importance of handing down traditions from generation to generation, while incorporating modern elements and perspectives into the traditions. Through the performances, Japanese Kyogen troupes will highlight the significance of humor in the theater arts in a way that connects people from culturally diverse backgrounds