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Noh

I am a student of the Kita School of noh - a chanted and dance form of theatre which originated in 15th century Japan. I have studied for over ten years with noh professional Richard Emmert and master teacher/actor Ômura Sadamu. I have danced in numerous recitals, and performed the shite role in a a full hakama-noh version of the play Tomoe. I regularly teach workshops and classes in noh chant and dance in Vancouver at The Dance Centre.

I am also a founding member of Theatre Nohgaku an international group dedicated to the teaching, training, and dissemination of noh outside Japan, and also to the creation and production of new noh plays.

I most recently performed the title role in David Crandall's haunting noh play Crazy Jane in Pennsylvania. On the flip side of the noh spectrum, I have performed the kyôgen role of a New Jersey mosquito in the new noh play, Pine Barrens which toured North Carolina and Virginia. I have played a yamabushi, or mountain priest, in the kyôgen play, The Snail, and danced Sheherazad in a contemporary fusion piece choreographed by Matsui Akira which blended classical music, noh, and biwa performance, which was performed in Tokyo.

I believe noh is a brilliant form for actors and dancers to learn breath control, focus, and simplicity, and a wonderful way to work on core strength. It is a highly refined expressive vehicle, and I have used elements of it in much of my contemporary choreography and direction.