Japan-America Society to host English-language performance of Rakugo, Japanese comedic storytelling, at UT Dallas on April 15

Dallas, TX – The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) announced today that it will host a rare English-language performance of rakugo, the traditional Japanese art of comedic storytelling, in partnership with the UT Dallas Asia Center. The program will take place on Tuesday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. at the UT Dallas Alexander Clark Center.

A minimalist performance art, rakugo features a lone storyteller dressed in a kimono, kneeling on a cushion, who, using only a fan and a hand towel for props, entertains the audience with a comedic monologue followed by a traditional story.

The lone storyteller at the UT Dallas April 15 event will be Canadian-born Katsura Sunshine. In 2008, he was granted an apprenticeship with famed rakugo master Katsura Bunshi VI. After successfully completing the rigorous three-year apprenticeship, Katsura Sunshine earned the surname Katsura, a centuries-old rakugo family name.

Rakugo is an ancient Japanese art form, but it is still very much alive and well, with over 700 professional storytellers practicing today in the two main traditions, that of Tokyo (Edo) and that of Osaka (Kamigata). Born Gregory Robic in Toronto, Katsura Sunshine is the first person of non-Japanese descent in the 400-year-old history of rakugo to be trained in the Osaka tradition.

Emerging as both a pioneer in English-language rakugo and an ambassador of Japanese culture to the world, Katsura Sunshine aspires to showcase this form of traditional storytelling which, although unique to Japan, shares universal human sagas through the prism of laughter. Katsura Sunshine’s English-language performance is a rare chance to experience this traditional Japanese art in Texas.

“Katsura Sunshine represents a bridge between Japan and North America, weaving links through his storytelling that will enable English-speaking audiences to enjoy the humor of rakugo. His mastery of this challenging art, combined with a modern perspective and diverse cultural influences, puts a bright new face on a very traditional Japanese form of entertainment,” says Takashi Ishida, Executive Director of The Japan Foundation in Toronto, Canada.

The performance is sponsored by the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, the UT Dallas Asia Center, and the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston. General admission is $15. It is free for those with a UT Dallas Comet Card. Tickets may be purchased using cash or check at the door.

The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth is a non-profit organization founded in 1970 to encourage friendship and understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Metroplex through business, cultural, and educational programs. For more information, visit www.jasdfw.org or email info@jasdfw.org or call 214-342-2022.