hosted by Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden sydney, virginia
WHERE: Hampden Sydney Virginia
WHEN: June 6 - 8, 2025
COST: $350(housing included)
Since 2003, Theatre Nohgaku has hosted writing workshops for anyone interested in how a traditional noh is constructed, with a focus on the interaction between words and music. Participants will be guided through the writing of their own English-language noh by examining some of the sub-structures that comprise a traditional work.
No prior writing experience or knowledge of Japanese is required.
Three days of seminars will be led by composer/playwright and former Hōsho-ryu professional David Crandall. While providing an overview of some of the musical and literary elements of traditional noh, Mr. Crandall will also lead a discussion on the unique challenges of adapting and writing noh for the English language. To the extent that time permits, he will provide sample musical settings for the texts generated by participants to give them an idea of how their work would sound in performance.
The workshop is by application only and limited to eight participants.
Transportation, board, and not included.
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY:
DAVID CRANDALL began studying noh chant and dance in 1979 with noh master Sano Hajime of the Hōsho school. In 1986 he was admitted as an apprentice at the Hōsho Noh Theater in Tokyo, studying with the then-head of the Hōsho school, Hōsho Fusateru, and working as a professional noh performer for five years. Mr. Crandall has also been active as a composer and playwright, with an output that includes instrumental pieces, noh-inspired dance dramas, film scores, and children’s musicals. A founding member of Theatre Nohgaku, he has participated in many tours and conducted workshops and lecture/demonstrations throughout the world.
Past workshop participants:
Read a blog entry concerning the workshop by former Noh Writing Workshop participant Edith Newton. Edith is the author of the work-in-progress noh In a Memory Palace.
Read the website by past participant Jannette Cheong concerning her performed pieces Pagoda and Between the Stones.
Read some blog entries related to past participant Carrie Preston’s work, including the full text of her performed work Zahdi Dates and Poppies.
Read some blog entries related to past participant Greg Giovanni, including the full text of his performed work Pine Barrens
REGISTRATION
Theatre Nohgaku does not sell or distribute registration information
WORKSHOP COST: US $350