UP Marks 70 Years of Philippines–Japan Diplomatic Relations with Noh Performances on December 6, 7, and 9
The University of the Philippines (UP), through the UP Center for International Studies (UPCIS), will commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Philippines–Japan Diplomatic Relations with Noh theater performances on December 6, 7, and 9 in Quezon City and Makati City.
FilipiNoh’s Performance of “Dance of Sisa” in commemoration of the 50 years of Philippines-Japan Friendship in 2006/ IMAGE from Mr. Joseph Uy
Organized in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in Manila and The Japan Foundation Manila, the program will feature the original FilipiNoh production Ranshō: Paglusong sa Sigwa (Soaring Through the Storm) alongside the classical Noh piece Shakkyo (The Stone Bridge).
The project brings together the UPCIS Noh Ensemble, university students, professional artists, and nine Noh masters from Japan. Noh is one of Japan’s oldest theatrical traditions and is recognized by UNESCO as an Important Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
FilipiNoh’s Performance of “Dance of Sisa” in commemoration of the 50 years of Philippines-Japan Friendship in 2006/ IMAGE from Mr. Joseph Uy
The commemorative activities will begin with a 30-minute press preview in August, introducing visiting Japanese Noh Grand Masters Mr. Umewaka Chozaemon, a shite kata or principal actor of the Kanze school, and Mr. Ōmura Shigeji, an ōtsuzumi kata or big drum performer of the Ōkura school.
Both are recognized in Japan as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property in Noh Theater.
Japanese Noh Grand Masters Mr. Chozaemon (left) and Mr. Omura Sensei, Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property in Noh Theater/IMAGE from UP
The performances on December 6 and 7 at 3:00 p.m. will be held at the UP Theatre, UP Diliman. An exhibition of Edo-period Noh costumes and masks will accompany the performances. Another performance will take place on December 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Carlos P. Romulo Hall, RCBC Plaza in Makati City.
Admission is free, while details on the ticketing system have yet to be announced.
Established in 2005, the UPCIS Noh Ensemble has trained Filipino students and performers in Noh dance, chant, flute, and drums for more than two decades.
In 2006, UP also commemorated the 50th Anniversary of Philippines–Japan Diplomatic Relations with performances of Okina and Dance of Sisa from National Artist Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio’s Ang Paglalakbay ni Sisa: Isang Noh sa Laguna.
