We’re delighted to welcome the Edinburgh International Book Festival to Greyfriars.
As part of Scotland to the World, we bring you a unique fusion of Japanese and Scottish culture. Rarely experienced outside its home country, Noh is a 600-year-old form of classical Japanese musical drama, into which the experimental Noh Reimagined theatre company is breathing new life. They bring us today’s two-part performance, introducing Noh Theatre in Part One with a piece based on the oldest novel of all time, followed by a new and contemporary collaboration blending Scottish and Japanese folklore, myth and music in Part Two.
This performance is repeated on Tue 25 Aug at 19:00
Part One: Nonomiya (Wildwood Shrine) (15th century)
Nonomiya is a masterwork of Noh theatre, written by Konparu Zenchiku in the 15th century, based on the 11th century classic, The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu. This performance presents the famous second act, in which the spirit of Lady Rokujō reveals her lingering passion and sorrow.
Part Two: Song of Rona Island (2025)
A once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the groundbreaking union of Scottish culture and the 600-year-old art of Japanese Noh theatre, inspired by former Makar Kathleen Jamie’s essay ‘On Rona’ from her collection, Sightlines. Through dialogue, chant, dance, and music, five Noh performers and Scots musicians Aidan O’Rourke and Brìghde Chaimbeul take us on an ecological journey to an abandoned Hebridean island to discover its haunting past.
Part of Scotland to the World. Supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown, The British Council, and The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.
Tickets are available on the Edinburgh Book Festival website.
