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Filmed with state-of-the-art video cameras, this is an invaluable record of a Hakama Kyogen Play “Tsurigitsune (Fox Trapping)” performed by Mansaku Nomura, a Living National Treasure.
The screening of the film is accompanied by the premiere of the World of the Kyogen Play Tsurigitsune: “A Journey Towards Sublime” + “Costumes, Props, and Masks,” which includes an interview with Mansaku Nomura about his personal experiences in relation to Tsurigitsune.

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Date: July 6– August 3, 2024
Closed: July 8, 16, 22 and 29, 2024
Venue: NTT InterCommunication Center [ICC] 4F Theater 【Access】

Films  (A)A Hakama Kyogen Play “Tsurigitsune” (Main Program) (Approx. 64 minutes)
        (B)The World of the Kyogen Play Tsurigitsune: “A Journey Towards Sublime Art” + “Costumes, Props, and Masks” (Approx. 55 minutes)
        You can watch both or either of the films.
        ※These films have no English subtitles.

Admission Fees  (A)A Hakama Kyogen Play “Tsurigitsune” ¥1,500
               (B)The World of the Kyogen Play Tsurigitsune: “A Journey Towards Sublime Art” + “Costumes, Props, and Masks” ¥1,000

Seating capacity: 29 people (including 2 wheelchairs) for each screening


Contact Information E-mail: bunka-ml@east.ntt.co.jp
Tel (toll-free number): 0120-114677(Recorded information) ※Japanese
Organized by: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation
Planning/Management: NTT ArtTechnology Corporation
In cooperation with: Mansaku-no-Kai Kyogen Company

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▶ICC Website Theater Schedule

* Various discounts (group, persons with disabilities, senior, etc.), ICC Annual Passport, and “Grutto Pass” are not applicable to this program.
* Visitors with wheelchairs are requested to make an online reservation in advance and call the toll-free phone  0120-144199 to inform that you are using a wheelchair.
* Pre-school children are not allowed to accompany or enter.

* A Hakama Kyogen Play “Tsurigitsune” was aired on NHK BS8K on May 29 and on NHK E-Tele on June 26 in 2022.The World of the Kyogen Play Tsurigitsune: “A Journey Towards Sublime Art” + “Costumes, Props, and Masks” will premiere at our screening event.

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* Doors open 10 minutes before the start time.
* When you arrive at ICC, please visit the reception desk first for general information. It takes about 10 minutes to go to the ICC theater after your arrival.

“An actor's life starts by portraying a monkey and ends by portraying a fox.” As this old saying goes, “Tsurigitsune (Fox Trapping)” is a major gateway for aspiring Kyogen actors and a classic that demands all the skills of a Kyogen performer. The extremely difficult art and secrets of Kyogen continuously handed down over the years by word of mouth are showcased in both vocalization (speaking, storytelling, and chanting) and physical movements (impersonating a fox, acrobatics, and dancing). Born in 1931, Mansaku Nomura, a Kyogen actor, has a deep affinity with “Tsurigitsune.” He has performed the play more than 26 times since he first performed it at the age of 25 (in 1956), whereas most Kyogen actors play it once or twice in their lifetime, if at all. In recent years, he has performed it as a Hakama Kyogen Play, wearing only a montsuki hakama (a plain crested kimono and hakama trousers) with no mask or other costumes. Through repeated performances of the play, he has mastered traditional skills, added his own touch of flair, and honed his skills to the highest level. In order to preserve his art and craft of acting for future generations, his performance in the Hakama Kyogen Play “Tsurigitsune” was filmed without audience at Yokohama Noh Theater using state-of-the art cameras. It is also worth noting that it was the first time for him to perform the final scene, where the fox reveals his true identity, without masks or costumes.

Characteristics of the Film
The Hakama Kyogen Play “Tsurigitsune” was filmed from multiple angles using 11 8K video cameras at Yokohama Noh Theater. We also filmed onstage and in the kagami-no-ma (mirror room), which is usually off-limits to cameras. The images taken from angles not usually available, the 8K high-resolution close-up images and the clear sound of the film will make you feel like you are watching the performance of Mansaku Nomura right in front of you. This main program will be followed by the screening of “A Journey Towards Sublime Art” + “Costumes, Props, and Masks,” where Mansaku Nomura explains the background of “Tsurigitsune” to help understand the play better.

I was 25 years old when I first played “Tsurigitsune.” It was one of the most difficult Kyogen plays to perform. Learning from Manzo Nomura the Sixth, who called himself a fox actor, I performed the play again and again, though it took years for me to master performing it as a Hakama Kyogen Play. After receiving the Grand Prize at the National Art Festival at the age of 46, I started adding my own personal touches to the performance. It was my idea to record my performance of this performance for younger Kyogen actors, researchers, and fans and, above all, for those yet to experience the magnificence of this traditional Japanese performing art. My performance of “Tsurigitsune” was filmed using new 8K resolution technology, supported by the filming and editing team and NTT ArtTechnology.
To commemorate receiving the Order of Culture last year, in addition to the main program featuring the Hakama Kyogen Play “Tsurigitsune,” an interview program will be screened to share my experiences in the performing arts and explain the costumes, props, and masks used in the play.
I hope you enjoy this performance and result of many years of artistic experimentation.
Mansaku Nomura

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