English Rakugo returns to Australia! Rakugo performer Katsura Asakichi has been performing in English since 2000 and will tour Australia in March and April to regale audiences with the Japanese art of ‘sit-down’ comedy.

Rakugo is a traditional form of comic storytelling which dates back more than 300 years. Performers kneel on stage and use limited props such as a fan or hand towel to help tell the story. The only other ‘props’ used are the performer’s skill and the imagination of the audience as the Rakugoka (Rakugo performer) uses facial expressions, change of voice and mannerisms to both narrate the story and become the characters. As the performer switches from one distinct character to another, the audience is treated to a hilarious study of the follies and foibles of everyday life.

Fresh from performances at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Katsura Asakichi’s unique brand of comedy will be sure to make you laugh until you cry. Don’t miss out on this chance to see rakugo in action in English.

Performances in other cities
Katsura Asakichi will also be presenting Eigo Rakugo performances in the following cities, for full details please contact the Consulate-General of Japan in each city:

Perth
When: Monday 22 March & Tuesday 23 March 2010
Where: State Library Theatre, Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge, Perth WA
Contact: Consulate General of Japan, Perth – Ph: 08 9480 1800

Melbourne
When: Thursday 25 March & Friday 26 March 2010
Where: Melbourne Town Hall, Cnr Swanston and Collins Sts, Melbourne VIC
>>Full details online, click here

Gold Coast
When: Saturday 27 March 2010
Where: Courtyard by Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort, Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise QLD
Contact: Consulate General of Japan, Brisbane – Ph: 07 3221 5188

Brisbane
When: Monday 29 March 2010
Where: The Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, 420 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley QLD
Contact: Consulate General of Japan, Brisbane – Ph: 07 3221 5188

Canberra
When: Tuesday 30 March 2010
Where: The Street Theatre, Cnr Childers St and University Avenue, Canberra ACT
Contact: Embassy of Japan, Canberra – Ph: 02 6273 3244

Overseas Performances: USA (1998), Singapore (1999 & 2000), Germany (2000), Australia (2001 & 2002), Thailand (2002), Malaysia (2000, 2002 & 2003), the Philippines (2003) Chicago, USA (2004)

Related Events - The Japanese art of oral storytelling and the Australian connection - Lecture by Dr Ian McArthur