The storyteller Ryuraku Sanyutei will perform in Nice for the first time and for a single show on November 15 at the Espace Associations Garibaldi. This is part of a solidarity initiative organized by the Association of Japanese Residents of Nice Côte-d’Azur (ARJNCA) with the support of the city of Nice, following the disaster that occurred in March 2011 in Japan.
The Japanese art of storytelling, known as rakugo or “stories with a punchline,” dates back to the 16th century. It is a monologue, often comedic, performed by an artist called a Rakugoka, who sits on a cushion and narrates a story to an audience.
His entrance on stage is announced by the debayashi, which is briefly accompanied by a shamisen tune and percussion.
During his narrative, the Rakugoka can depict a range of characters, including a child, a woman, an old man, or even a samurai. He switches from one character to another simply by altering his voice, making a simple gesture, or turning his head to the left or right. Two props are at his disposal: a fan and a cloth towel, which he uses to represent various objects such as a glass, chopsticks, or a sword.
