Master Sensei Haruhisa Kawamura of Kyoto’s Kawamura Noh Theatre and the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) are excited to introduce Torontonians to the fascinating art form of Noh Theatre with a performance and discussion at the JCCC. This [...]]]> SPECIAL NARRATED VERSION – THE WORLD OF NOH – COMING TO TORONTO’S JAPANESE CANADIAN CULTURAL CENTRE

Master Sensei Haruhisa Kawamura of Kyoto’s Kawamura Noh Theatre and the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) are excited to introduce Torontonians to the fascinating art form of Noh Theatre with a performance and discussion at the JCCC. This is a rare opportunity for Canadians to experience the performance, magnificent costumes, masks, music and movements of traditional Noh Drama.

Originating in the 14th Century, Noh is a classical Japanese performance form that combines elements of dance, drama, music and poetry into one highly aesthetic stage art. What makes it so different and unique from any other theatre experience is that the performers and musicians don’t practice together before opening night. Instead, each actor, musician, and choral chanter practices his or her fundamental movements, songs, and dances independently or under the tutelage of a senior member of the school. Thus, the tempo of a given performance is not set by any single performer but established by the interactions of all the performers together.

This performance is part of this year’s special series celebrating the 80th anniversary of Canada-Japan relations. The JCCC is a not-for-profit charitable organization. Proceeds from The World of Noh go toward supporting the JCCC’s Japanese heritage and cultural programming initiatives.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 7:00pm
The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
6 Garamond Court, Toronto, Ontario (Don Mills and Eglinton, north east of the Ontario Science Centre), 416-441-2345
Tickets: $25 (General), $20 (Students and JCCC Members)
Available by calling 416-441-2345 x. 222

For more information on the JCCC and its activities, visit www.jccc.on.ca.

I was saddened to open the Vancouver Sun this morning and see that the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Kamloops has destroyed by fire yesterday. George Uyeda, the Centre’s coordinator, was in the building at the time and was alerted by two off-duty firefighters who helped him try to extinguish the blaze. Despite [...]]]>

I was saddened to open the Vancouver Sun this morning and see that the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Kamloops has destroyed by fire yesterday. George Uyeda, the Centre’s coordinator, was in the building at the time and was alerted by two off-duty firefighters who helped him try to extinguish the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire spread before they could contain it. The Centre, located at 160 Vernon Avenue is only thirteen years old, but contains artifacts and memories going back many more years. I have visited the Centre several times over the years and was always impressed by the small but cohesive community that built and nourished this little cultural jewel. I have no doubt the Kamloops Nikkei community will rally again and rebuild their Centre.