Rakugo - Japanese Comic Storytelling in English! Japanese Comic Storytelling Tradition - 12:30 pmNEW

RAKUGO - JAPANESE COMIC STORYTELLING IN ENGLISH!  
Rakugo Performer Katsura Sunshine
Introduces Atlanta Audiences to Japanese Comic Storytelling Tradition

Time
12:30 pm - 1st Show

ATLANTA…In recognition of the ongoing support the people of Atlanta have provided for the recovery of the Tohoku region, the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta, is pleased to present two-free performances of RAKUGO – Japanese Comic Storytelling in English. Canadian Rakugo storyteller Katsura Sunshine will be performing his comedy in English while Ms. Chiho Kitagawa will be presenting a brief introduction to the art of Rakugo. Rakugo is an ancient art form known for its dynamic dialogues and dramatic stories, featuring a lone performer with a subtle minimalist style. It is Japan's answer to stand-up comedy.

The first performance will be on Monday, September 16, 2013 12:30 pm, at Kennesaw State University in the Stillwell Theatre located at 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144. RSVP is required and can be made by calling 770-423-6650. The second performance will be on Monday, September 16, 2013 7:00 pm, at the Hill Auditorium located at 1280 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30309. Seating is on a first-come first-served basis.  

Rakugo is a 400-year-old tradition of comic storytelling. As popular today as it ever was, Rakugo (literally "falling word") has, until recently, had little exposure in North America, but that is all about to change. Canadian Katsura Sunshine, the renowned professional Western Rakugo storyteller, aims to shine the spotlight on this ancient art form with his English translations of Rakugo's classic stories, presented alongside beloved stories skillfully crafted by his own Master, Katsura Bunshi VI.

A Rakugo story is structured much like a long, elaborate joke, in that each story ends in a punch line. Dressed in kimono, kneeling on a cushion, with only a simple fan and hand towel for props, the lone storyteller delivers a short performance of his own original "material" before launching into a hilarious story populated by unforgettable characters from ancient Japan. Almost completely devoid of narration, the stories are told through dialogue between characters differentiated by the storyteller's simple turn of the head. There are two main traditions of Rakugo: Edo (Tokyo) and Kamigata (Osaka). Katsura Sunshine is trained in the Kamigata tradition.

These performances are organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta. Further details can be found at the Consulate General of Japan's website at http://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/Rakugo.html or by contacting the Consulate at 404-240-4300 or info@aa.mofa.go.jp

About the Consulate General of Japan
The Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta is an overseas establishment of the Government of Japan. The main function of our office is to protect Japanese nationals and economic interests, provide consular services and cultural exchange. There are 16 Japanese diplomatic missions in the United States. The jurisdiction of our office is Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.