The story of Xuanzang, who died and was reborn seven times in pursuit of Buddhist truths. “Daihannya” is a spectacular piece of theater depicting the miraculous moment when Xuanzang’s passionate dedication earns him the protection of a guardian deity. The play’s dynamically unfolding story gives a full sense of the pleasures of Noh and is highly recommend for people seeing Noh for the first time. As a revived Noh piece, “Daihannya” has had new life breathed into it yet retains many of the fascinating elements of classical Noh. Even those who know their Noh will no doubt be able to discover new appeal in the artform with this production. The performance also offers Kyogen by three generations (Man Nomura, Manzo Nomura, and Mannojo Nomura), and Shimai from the Hosho school of Noh.

Commentary: Yoshimasa Kanze
Hosho school Shimai “Tama no Dan” / Sotaro Waku
Izumi school Kyogen “Hagi Daimyo”/ Man Nomura, Manzo Nomura, Mannojo Nomura
Kanze school revival of “Daihannya”/ Yoshimasa Kanze

Composition: Yoshimasa Kanze

A pre-performance lecture is planned, as well as the post-performance streaming of an edited video recording of the main play (with Japanese and English subtitles)

Schedule: Friday,December 18,2020

Ticket booth: Toshima Ticket Center

Release Date: October

Organizer: Toshima Mirai Cultural Foundation/Toshima City

Supported by: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan (as a FY2020 project for establishing centers to disseminate culture and the arts internationally)

Planning Group, Toshima Mirai Cultural Foundation event@toshima-mirai.or.jp