en français
The body's journey
The company Pas de Dieux, co-directed by Leela Alaniz and Won Kim, proposes a year of revitalizing creativity through the rediscovery of the body as a path of research and creation. In addition to the various technical workshops proposed throughout the year, the program also proposes theoretical reflection concerning the attitudes of the actor/dancer immersed in his work, therefore opening the possibility to create with the body, spirit and sentiments as a part of a continual work of self-discovery.

Throughout the 2009-10 year, the company Pas de Dieux will invite several renowned artists engaged in the corporeal research for the actor/dancer:

Haruna and Tatsushige Udaka, Kongô school of Kyoto, Japan
Physical Training of the Noh Theater – dance and chant   
Feburary 2 to 6, 2010

objectifs

This workshop introduces the use of elements such as masks, costumes, instruments and gives an overall perspective to the method of Noh theatre through the basic KATA (dance pattern). Students will learn the Noh play 'OIMATSU' shimai (dance) and utai (chant). This is the Asian body training method using HARA (abdomen, or Tanden, center of the body), and the low center of gravity. Moreover, Shimai training will focus on walk, rhythm called JOHAKYU, and the expression with the minimum and limited movements. Noh theatre is composed with the very restricted elements, but somehow this situation can make expression very rich. Students will learn this formation of Noh through the actual body and verbal practice. The final performance of Shimai OIMATSU will take place during the last class.

program

* Exercises of Shimai (dance) 'OIMATSU' (actual practice)
   KATA (dance pattern)
   Rhythm (JOHAKYU)
   Walk (gliding step)

* Exercises of Utai (chant) 'OIMATSU' (actual practice)
   Melody
   Ryhthm
   Pause

* Elements of Noh theatre (lecture)
   Mask
   Costume
   Instrument
   History

biography

Noh theater is a major form of classical Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century and is recognized as the traditional theatre of Japan. Noh theatre consists of actors, musical instruments, masks, costumes, stage, dance and chant (text). However, those elements have changed over time according to different periods. Noh actors and musicians rehearse only one time together before a performance. 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 talk will explain the elements of Noh in accordance with the flow of its history and how it became the form it is today. Some chanting and dancing will be demonstrated.

Tatsushige Udaka is a member of Kyoto Nohgakukai and Nohgaku Kyoukai Corporation, both theater organizations in Japan, and has taught Noh workshops in Japan, South Korea, and United States. He has extensive teaching experience in Noh theater and has appeared in over 65 Noh plays.

Haruna Tanaka Udaka graduated with a degree in Movement Theater from Pitzer College in 2000 and has an M.A. in Theater Arts from Kyoto University of Art and Design in Kyoto, Japan. She has been an assistant for Noh workshops of Tatsushige Udaka, and has performed in over 27 Noh productions

practical info

Physical Training of the Noh Theater – dance and chant   
February 2 to 6, 2010

9h30 -13h Tuesay to Friday
14h-17h Saturday
18h / 200€
Studio Philippe Genty, Paris 11ème
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