Tonight at NOMA, join us for the opening of Traditions Transfigured: The Noh Masks of Bidou Yamaguchi. Bring the entire family to enjoy live performances of Japanese noh plays by the Noh Society of Kentucky, free art activities, and a discussion of Traditions Transfigured by the artist himself and guest curator Dr. Kendall Brown.

• 5-8 pm: Art on the Spot
• 6-6:30 pm: Performance by the Noh Society of Kentucky
• 6:30 pm: Discussion of Traditions Transfigured by Dr. Kendall Brown and Bidou Yamaguchi

About the Noh Performances

Shimai: Ama (Kiri) (3 minutes)
Performed by Haruna Rich

A diving woman (ama) sacrifices her life to obtain a pearl from a dragon that will enable her son to receive a court rank.

Shimai are highlights of noh plays traditionally performed between full noh plays in day long programs.

Han-noh: Kiyotsune (25 minutes)
Performed by Michael Rich

Click here for a full description of the play

About the Noh Society of Kentucky

The Noh Society of Kentucky was formed by participants of week-long workshops in noh theatre taught by Katayama Shingo, Tamoi Hiromichi and Oe Nobuyuki in 2007 and 2009. These members have been joined by new performers who studied under Asano Atsuyoshi since he began giving workshops in Kentucky in Autumn 2009 and subsequently spent two years in the commonwealth as Artist in Residence at University of Kentucky and Georgetown College. The Kentucky Noh Society has performed at Berea College, Centre College, University of Kentucky, Lexington World Theatre Festival, Japanese Embroidery World Exhibition, Georgetown College, Louisville WorldFest, Speed Art Museum, Frazier History Museum and other venues.