Traditional Japanese Storytelling and Puppetry Workshop, Hanford, CA

Date: Saturday, October 13, 2007

Time: 1:00-5:00 pm

Location: Visalia Marriott, 300 South Court, Visalia, CA 93291

Workshop fee: $150 includes workshop materials, and complimentary admission to October 14 performance at the Hanford Fox Theatre. $120 for Clark Center members and registered students.
**Early Registration Special--For registrations received before September 15: $130 General admission, $100 for Clark Center members and students.**
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Participants in this exclusive workshop designed for practicing performing artists and traditional Japanese arts specialists will have the rare opportunity to work intensively in a small group setting with two of the preeminent practitioners of traditional Japanese performing arts in Japan today. The workshop will provide a brief overview of the history of the centuries-old arts of Shinnai narrative singing and Kuruma Ningyo puppetry, then, facilitated by an interpreter, will receive instruction in the content of traditional performances of these art forms, modes of accompaniment (musical and vocal), technical aspects of voice control, puppet manipulation, learn about details of the puppet-making, and traditional training practices particular to these art forms. Ample time will be provided for free discussion to allow participants to direct discussion to areas of particular personal or professional interest.

This is a rare opportunity to work with Japanese Living National Treasure, Tsuruga Wakasanojo XI, headmaster of the Tsuruga School of Shinnai narrative singing, one of only 57 performing artist to hold this highest designation for cultural arts performers in Japan.

Although not a requirement, experience in some area of the performing arts is preferred. Due to the nature of the workshop, in the case of overbooking, applications from storytelling and puppetry professionals will be given priority for admission.

Space is limited to 30 participants, so please reserve early to ensure a spot.

For more information, please contact Maiko Behr by email by clicking here.