An English Play With A Japanese Style By An Irish Poet

An English Play With A Japanese Style By An Irish Poet

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Jublith Moore, co-artistic director of Theatre of Yugen in San Francisco, spent a week in-residency at the Buffalo Seminary back in October. She imparted on the students Noh techniques – also known as Japanese musical drama. From their learning experience, the students are pleased to present their fall production – “At the Hawk’s Well” by William Butler Yeats, the first English play to use those techniques.

The Theatre of Yugen is 30 years old and is an experimental theatre ensemble dedicated to discovering that which can never be obtained – yugen, an essence so mysterious that it defines explanation. The theatre is founded in traditional Japanese theatre, including an active repertoire of traditional Kyogen comedies in English. This background enabled Moore to teach the Buffalo Seminary students how to best perform the 1916 work by the Irish poet.

The play is loosely based on the mythological Irish hero Cuchulain. It is written in verse and the main body of the play involves just three protagonists. Cuchulain goes out in search for the fountain of youth, which is guarded by a mysterious Hawk spirit. From there, Cuchalain is faced with conflicts of rationality and fate, mortality and immortality. It should be exciting to watch the production, but as an added incentive, the students of the school will begin the play with a Tea Ceremony under the direction of Atsuko Mitchell.

Performances will take place in the Wendt Performing Arts Center of the Buffalo Seminary at 205 Bidwell Parkway. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Performances start at 7 PM on November 20th, 21st, and 22nd. You can reserve your ticket or find our more information by calling 885-6780 or visiting their website.

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