The performance in New York captivated the audience!!

The Bunraku Tour in the United States concluded its three-day run in New York on Saturday, October 5. The performance captivated the audience in New York following its shows in Fairfield and Los Angeles. The venue for the New York performance was the Japan Society, which is dedicated to promoting and exchanging Japanese arts, culture, business, and society. The Japan Society greatly cooperated on this American tour.


The Japan Society





A billboard featuring a photo of "The Love Suicides at Sonezaki" was on the front of the building.


The audience was silently absorbed by the world of Bunraku, woven together by the narration of tayu, the sound of the Shamisen, and the puppets' movements. After the performance, the silence was broken by thunderous applause, clearly demonstrating that the world of Bunraku had captivated the audience in New York, the home of entertainment.


"Hinomi Yagura (The Fire Watchtower)" scene from "Date Musume Koi no Higanoko (Oshichi, the Greengrocer's Daughter)"





Commentary with Demonstration











"The Forest by the Tenjin Shrine" scene from "Sonezaki Shinju (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki)"


After the show on Friday, October 4, a Q&A session was held with the audience. Many audience members passionately participated in the Q&A session, showing their enthusiasm in New York, where theater is very popular. A workshop took place on Saturday, October 5, with 18 participants. They experienced puppetry and learned about the three elements of art. There were also many questions for the Bunraku performers, and some attendees came from Boston, showing a significant interest in Bunraku.


Q&A session after the show





Puppetry experience at the workshop


On the second-floor gallery, the Japan Society is currently hosting an exhibition titled "Bunraku Backstage." This exhibition, in collaboration with the National Bunraku Theatre, features a scale model of the Bunraku stage, lecterns, the production process of the puppets' heads, and various costumes.


"Bunraku Backstage" Exhibition at the Japan Society Gallery


The Bunraku Tour in the United States continues to Washington, D.C., and Houston.