Intercultural encounter with nō master Udaka Michishige

Abstract

In this paper, I aim to explore the process and results of my personal experience at the Summer Intensive Program of the International Noh Institute (INI) led by Kongō school master Udaka Michishige in Kyoto, 2016. During that period of time I had the opportunity to appreciate the various intricacies of nō practice, focusing mostly on shite’s training, practicing utai, basic kata, and learning a couple of shimai or short choreographic sequences. Through this opportunity, I was able to interact directly with the creative process that characterizes the nō theatre device in its traditional setting. Under a unique approach that Udaka-sensei had developed for more than thirty years to facilitate international students a meaningful interaction with nō theatre tradition.