Japanese Bunraku Puppet Theatre Lecture, Demonstration, and Workshop

A rare opportunity to experience the beauty and dynamism of bunraku, Japan’s famous puppet theatre form.

Bunraku is a fascinating composite performing art that brings together the skilful manipulation of large puppets operated by three puppeteers working in unison, histrionic narration from specialist narrators known as tayu, and emotionally powerful music played on the three-stringed shamisen.  

Long associated with the city of Osaka, the Japanese puppet theatre presented lengthy, complex plays for adults that rivalled kabuki for popular audiences in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Bunraku was designated by UNESCO as an example of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003. 

This event at SOAS will consist of a lecture-demonstration, including a short contextual lecture, an explanation of the different elements of bunraku performance, and a performance of the celebratory play Ninin Sambasō (The Two Sambasōs) by professional performers from the Bunraku Kyōkai.  

This will be followed by a workshop, limited to 18 participants. Participants will be selected by lottery on the day. During the workshop, participants work in groups of three and will be given hands-on guidance on how to manipulate male and female puppets, as well as how to perform some of the striking narrative vocal techniques of the theatre.

Registration

This event is free to attend, but registration is required.

Seating for the lecture-demonstration (2pm to 3:15pm) is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The workshop (4pm to 5pm) is limited to 18 participants, and participants will be selected by lottery on the day.

Organisers

This event is jointly organised by the Japan Research Centre and the Bunraku Kyōkai.

Header image credit: Bunraku Kyōkai