Exploring Japanese Classics: Theatre, Literature & History

Professional Development Course

Exploring Japanese Classics: Theatre, Literature & History

Saturday, February 18, 9 AM—4 PM
Saturday, February 25, 9 AM—4 PM
Friday, March 3, 6:30—9:30 PM
Saturday, March 4, 10 AM—4 PM
Saturday, March 11, 9 AM—1 PM

This 24-hour, 5-session professional development course explores and analyzes Japanese classics in theatre, literature, and history. Through lectures, movement workshops, and a Nihon Buyo Dance performance, participants engage with and learn about the traditional Japanese theatre arts of Noh, Kabuki, Kyogen, Bunraku, and Nihon Buyo. Each of these topics is presented with sound pedagogical strategies for implementation in the classroom and in alignment with present teaching standards.

2P credit is available from the NYC Department of Education for in-service teachers. To receive credit, participants must also register for this course on the ASPDP website. Credit is pending course approval by the NYC Department of Education.

Full Course Registration: $125/$110 Japan Society members
*Scholarships for in-service NYC educators available. Contact [email protected] for details.

Box Office Policy

Course Schedule:

Saturday, February 18, 9 AM—4 PM  (A la carte registration: $30/$25 members. Register →)

• Survey of Noh and Kyogen—performance conventions, plays, and intersections with history and culture. Instructor: Prof. Samuel Leiter, Brooklyn College, CUNY
• Noh Literature and Your Language Arts Classroom—How to introduce your students to “the Shakespeare of Noh.” Instructor: Garret Sokoloff, La Guardia High School of the Performing Arts (retired)

Saturday, February 25, 9 AM—4 PM (A la carte registration: $30/$25 members. Register →)

• Survey of Bunraku & Kabuki—performance conventions, plays, and intersections with history and culture and Nihon Buyo [Japanese Dance]. Instructor: Prof. Samuel Leiter, Brooklyn College, CUNY
• Movement Workshop: Exploring Kabuki, Noh, and Kyogen in Movement—A focused study in how social class and status is represented in Japanese theatre and dance movement. Instructor: Dr. Sachiyo Ito, Artistic Director of Sachiyo Ito & Company

Friday, March 3, 6:30—9:30 PM (A la carte registration sold out, performance-only tickets still available)

• Comprehensive Intro & Demo to Nihon Buyo with Geimaruza—performers introduce examples of character roles found in the kabuki dance nihon buyo, as well as provide an in-depth look at the family of traditional Japanese musical instruments. Instructors: Geimaruza performers.
• Performance: Nihon Buyo Dance by Geimaruza

Saturday, March 4, 10 AM—4 PM  (A la carte registration: $30/$25 members. Register →)

• How to Teach Japanese Theater in the Classroom—mime, improvisational exercises exploring status [Keith Johnston], performing with masks, lesson planning. Instructor: Ms. Sarah Cusick, Columbia Preparatory School
• Geimaruza Troupe Workshop—Participants are guided through different movement styles and expressions derived from Noh

Saturday, March 11, 9 AM—1 PM (A la carte registration: $30/$25 members. Register →)

• Strategies for Effective Lesson Planning
• Workshopping Your Lesson Plan
• Presenting Your Lesson Plan
• Reflecting on Learning