Online: Noh Chanting Workshop — Experience The Festive Song “Takasago”

Noh theater was established about 700 years ago and is said to be the oldest existing major performing art in the world. Noh was strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism during Japan’s medieval period, a time when Zen flourished and infused Japanese culture. Noh reflects the Japanese view of life and death, and religion. Many hints for living into the future come from experiencing Japanese literature and crafts through Noh, including Noh music and dance, which are permeated with the memory and feelings of the people of the past, as well as elements of their aesthetics and physical sensibilities.

In this workshop, you will experience the style of Noh chanting known as utai, which is vocalized using deep breathing techniques. You will learn by chanting a song from the festive Noh play “Takasago,” whose theme focuses on purity and the pine tree as a symbol of eternal life. The workshop is open to beginners focusing on Noh vocalization and breathing techniques.

Let’s start the New Year by refreshing our minds with Noh chanting. Rejuvenate your modern life by learning this Japanese traditional art.

Instructor: New York-based artist Mayo Miwa Sensei began her training with a Noh master at age 14, and graduated from Tokyo University majoring in Noh theater. Since coming to New York in 2004, Miwa Sensei has taught Noh dance and chanting for groups and individuals, as a member of the Noh Society, and has collaborated with contemporary musicians.

Please choose from the slots below. Each session is a semiprivate class.

Feb. 12:

① Introductory lecture on Noh 2:30 – 3:15pm (English)

② Noh chanting session 3:30 – 4:00 (English)

Feb. 13:

③ Noh chanting session 11:00- 11:30am (English)

④ Noh chanting session 1:00 – 1:30pm (English)

⑤ Noh chanting session 2:00 – 2:30pm (Japanese & English)

Single class: $20 / Zen Studies Society members: $15

To register, please click the Sign Up button and email info@miwamayo.com to indicate your desired class time. The Zoom link and chanting material will be sent to you after registration.