Having the opportunity to learn and immerse myself in Noh theater in Japan under the guidance of Diego Sensei, Tatsushige Sensei, Norishige Sensei, Keiko Sensei, and Monique Sensei has been a life-changing experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am grateful for the wise words, love, and passion that you have all shared with me, and for the trust that you have placed in me. You have helped me to fall even more in love with Noh and with my profession.
(Òscar Franco i Morró)
This summer, I had the privilege of joining five other participants from around the world in the esteemed Summer Intensive Programme of the International Noh Institute.
Central to the programme was the invaluable access to renowned Noh teachers, namely Udaka Tatsushige, Udaka Norishige and Diego Pellecchia, as well as the support and kind guidance of Monique Arnaud. Their expertise and dedication to preserving Noh as an art form were evident throughout their teachings.
Beyond the technical aspects of Noh – namely lessons on chanting and studying the movements known as kata which make up the dance part – the programme encouraged profound discussions on the artistic and philosophical underpinnings of the Noh plays and the essence of Noh itself. These in-depth conversations highlighted the spiritual dimensions of the performances.
One thought which crossed my mind was about how the essence of noh bears many similarities to the traditional concept of ‘the way’ or ‘dō’(道) ‒ evident in practices like the Way of the tea (Sadō), the way of the Sword (kendō) or the Way of the Brush (Shodō). Noh theatre, much like the traditional ways, places emphasis on dedicated practice, honing skills over a lifetime and seeking a deeper connection with the art itself. The philosophy of self-improvement and enlightenment, inherent in the ways, is equally present in the practice of Noh. Discussing this shared ethos between Noh theatre and the philosophy of the way with our teacher highlights how Noh is transcending the surface of a mere theatrical performance into a holistic art form encompassing spiritual and philosophical aspects, making Noh a transformative journey for the performer.
Another particularly memorable and spontaneous occurrence emerged during a discussion on masks from the Noh play Kanawa. As a thunderstorm raged outside we were shown the corresponding mask to the play with the lights turned off and just a single candle lit, creating a captivating atmosphere and highlighting the masks man facets so different to the masks we see in artificial light.
Since masks play a central role in Noh theater, interacting with mask carver Udaka Keiko was undoubtedly one of the highlights. She patiently listened to our many probing questions and showed us a large repertoire of different masks.
Culminating in the programme was the privilege of participating in a Noh performance on the closing day. Each participant chose one of the three dances we studied to bring to the stage, and in the end our teachers also contributed their pieces. Coming back to the before mentioned pondering of how the teachings of the way are reflected in Noh, I believe this shapes not only the performer but also deeply resonates with the audience. As a result the audience is invited not just to a theatrical spectacle but to witness an expression of spiritual value.
In conclusion, the summer intensive programme at the International Noh Institute offered a transformative journey into the world of Noh, fostering artistic appreciation but also intellectual growth and personal reflection that goes deeper than just the movements one might perceive on the stage. The opportunity to learn directly from accomplished Noh masters, engage in profound discussions, witness captivating demonstrations and perform on stage contributed to a deeply enriching experience.
(Eva Habereder)
Applications are now closed. Thank you to all the applicants!
The INI – International Noh Institute is now accepting applications for its 2023 Summer Intensive Program
Anyone interested in studying nō chant and/or dance. There is no age limit, and previous knowledge is not required. The course is taught by English-speaking Japanese instructors.
Participants will study nō dance and chant according to the Kongō school tradition, and learn about various aspects of nō performance, including masks and costumes. The training period will culminate with a public recital alongside professional actors on a nō stage located within a gorgeous Kyoto-style traditional townhouse.
Nō classes take place daily, in the morning, or in the early afternoon. Every day you will be coached by one of our instructors, and you will be encouraged to practice independently in preparation for the following class. (A day-to-day calendar will be announced after the selection is complete).
The intimate environment in which lessons take place, reflecting the traditional nō training style, allows students to interact directly with the teachers. Lessons comprise both group work and one-to-one coaching.
For this 2023 edition of our Summer Intensive, the INI will collaborate with Discover Noh in Kyoto. Participants will be given the opportunity to explore Kyoto with a professional tour guide, discovering the deep connections between nō and the city.
Fees include : Dance/chant lessons, materials, Kongō school nō fan, participation in the final recital, and a certificate of completion. Fees do not include: White tabi (split-toe socks), transportation, accommodation, and any other personal expenses.
Instructors: Udaka Tatsushige, Udaka Norishige (Kongō school actors), Udaka Keiko (nō mask carver)
Coordinator: Diego Pellecchia (Kyoto Sangyō University, Certified Kongō school instructor)
Application deadline: May, 22nd 2023. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by May, 29th 2023.
For more information about the program contact us.
The INI – International Noh Institute is now accepting applications for its 2022 Summer Intensive Program. Participants will study noh dance and chant according to the Kongo school tradition, and learn about various aspects of noh performance, including masks and costumes. The training period will culminate with the participation in a recital.
Fees include : Dance/chant lessons, materials, Kongo school fan, participation in the July 24th recital, and a certificate of completion. Fees do not include: White tabi (split-toe socks – around ¥700- ¥1000/pair) Transportation, accommodation, and any other personal expenses.
Instructors: Udaka Tatsushige, Udaka Norishige (Kongo school actors), Udaka Keiko (noh mask carver)
Director: Diego Pellecchia (Kyoto Sangyo University)
How to apply: Send an email to ini.kyoto[at]gmail.com Please attach your C.V. and a brief statement of interest. We are aware that traveling may be difficult during the current pandemic. Feel free to contact us for more information about the program.
Application deadline: June, 5th 2022
It has been a little bit more than three years now since I started to study with Udaka-sensei and it’s difficult to summarize what it has given me on a personal level and how it has influenced my work. However, I would like to try to describe some of my experiences, thoughts, and impressions.
I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Kyoto City University of Art. I have an interdisciplinary approach in which I use sound, video, sculpture, installation and performance. My research is focused on the plural and shifting nature of voice. I consider voice as a privileged medium to transform our delimitations, to go beyond the borders between the self and the otherness, the body and its environment.
I first encountered Nō through a sound recording that I found in a library in France. I was deeply moved and shaken by the voices of both the chorus and the musicians, and for a long time I was mainly interested in Nō for its unique chant and its music.
So, when I started to go to Udaka-sensei’s okeiko, I was thinking of just studying the chant for only few months for my research. And here I am 3 years later, learning how to perform dances accompanied by music. By following Udaka-sensei’s teaching, and being able to see his other students’ okeiko, I started to understand the beauty of Nō dance and how the chant, the dance, the music and all the scenic aspects are inextricably linked to each other.
After learning more about the staging and the narrative, I found very beautiful the unique relation between the voice and the self in Nō, where the same character can be embodied at the same time by the voice of the shite and the multiple voices of the chorus, by the body of the shite and by the mask.
Considering my art work and my research, Nō has taught me a lot, not only about the use of the voice, but about all the performative aspects: the ways of using your body, the use of space, the tension, the intention, the relation with the audience, the construction of all the layers that overlap to form this very sharp shape and powerful energy.
When I first discovered Nō and started to read about it, I learned that it was transmitted from father to son, so for a long time, I thought that this world was inaccessible to common people, and even less so to foreigners. Therefore, I had never thought that I could learn Nō one day. So when Diego introduced me to Udaka-sensei, I felt incredibly lucky. Udaka-sensei’s very warm welcome, the very relaxed discussions we had while drinking tea before each okeiko, helped me to feel at ease. And maybe above all, his dedication to Nō as both an actor and a teacher made me understand how deep and rich this performative art is.
Nō belongs to the kind of art that is limitless, the more you learn about it the more you realize you don’t know. I love this sensation, though it can be dizzying sometimes. Today I keep learning and discovering things that still amaze me and give me a richer understanding of Nō.
On a personal level, being able to learn from Udaka-sensei and his two sons and to witness their total commitment and dedication to their art is very inspiring and pushes me to give the best of myself in my art production as well. Their teaching keeps making me more focused, brings me self-awareness, self-confidence, and a very precious and particular sensitivity that profoundly influence my work and my daily life.
I am very happy to share these moments with all the INI members and I want to thank Udaka-sensei and his family for their great benevolence and the very special attention they give us. The practice of Nō opened new horizons to me and I am glad to know that I still have so much to learn and discover from it.
Dear Applicants to the INI Kyoto Summer Intensive 2020
I regret to inform you that because of the recent outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) the 2020 Summer Intensive course has been cancelled.
The whole world is being affected by the outbreak, and Japan is no exception. Though we may be experiencing a slower increase in the number of infections as opposed to other countries, it has become clear that holding our intensive course and recital this summer would be unrealistic.
On behalf of our main instructor, Udaka Tatsushige, I would like to thank you all for sending your applications and statements of interest. Though we do not have a definite plan for 2021, we are committed to re-schedule the intensive program when possible. It would be wonderful to see you all then.
All best wishes and please do take care during this difficult time.
Diego Pellecchia (Course Coordinator)
The INI – International Noh Institute is now accepting applications for its 2020 Summer Intensive Program. Participants will study noh dance and chant according to the Kongo school tradition, and learn about various aspects of noh performance, including masks and costumes. The training period will culminate with the participation in a recital at the Kongo Noh Theatre.
Fees include : Dance/chant lessons, materials, Kongo school fan, participation in the August 23rd recital, and a certificate of completion. Fees do not include: White tabi (split-toe socks – around ¥700- ¥1000/pair) Transportation, accommodation, and any other personal expense.
Instructors: Udaka Tatsushige, Udaka Norishige (Kongo school actors), Udaka Keiko (noh mask carver) Director: Diego Pellecchia (Kyoto Sangyo University).
How to apply: Send an email to ini.kyoto[at]gmail.com Please attach your C.V. and a brief statement of interest. Application deadline June 1st 2020
Nō theatre classes resume at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, Italy. Monique Arnaud, certified instructor of the Kongō School and INI senior member, will teach nō chant and dance in a series of five meetings organized by Gesshin, a student association led by Luca Domenico Artuso, who also trained with INI in 2018.
For info: gesshincafoscari@gmail.com
The INI – International Noh Institute is now accepting applications for its 2018 Summer Intensive Program. Participants will take part in an intensive training period, during which they will study Noh chant and dance at the INI training space in Kyoto with Kongō school Noh actors of the Udaka family: Michishige, Tatsushige, Norishige, and Haruna. During the program, participants will learn about various aspects of noh performance, including chant, dance, masks, and costumes. The training period will culminate with a short performance as part of the the Udaka-kai recital on a noh stage in Kyoto, featuring professional actors. The program is coordinated by Dr. Diego Pellecchia (Kyoto Sangyo University).
Application deadline: June, 1st 2018. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Program highlights:
Requirements: Anyone is welcome to join – no previous knowledge of Noh is required. Lessons are given in English and/or Japanese. Past year program attendees are entitled to the repeater discount of 10,000¥, as shown below.
Capacity: 10 participants
Place: INI Training Space, Kyoto
Training dates and times: August 1-12* from 10:00 to 15:00
*Lessons will not take place on August 4,5 and 11
Participation fees:
| Regular | 60,000¥ |
| Repeater | 50,000¥ |
Fees include:
Fees do not include:
How to apply: send us an email at ini.kyoto[at]gmail.com Please attach your C.V. and a brief statement of interest.
*Late applications will be considered only if places are still available.
The INI – International Noh Institute is now accepting applications for its 2017 Summer Intensive Program. Participants will take part in an intensive training period, during which they will study Noh chant and dance at the INI headquarters in Kyoto with Kongō school Noh actors Udaka Michishige, Udaka Tatsushige and Udaka Norishige. In addition, they will be able to observe the rehearsal and to attend the Udaka Seiran Noh performance. During the program, participants will learn about various aspects of noh, including masks and costumes. The program is coordinated by Dr Diego Pellecchia (Kyoto Sangyo University). Application deadline: May, 1st 2017.
Requirements: Anyone is welcome to join – no previous knowledge of Noh is required. Lessons are given in English and/or Japanese. Past year program attendees are entitled to the repeater discount of 10,000JPY, as shown below.
Capacity: 3-5 participants
Place: INI Training Space, Kyoto
Period: September 4 – 14 2017, every day
Fees (in Japanese yen)
| Regular | 60,000 |
| Repeater | 50,000 |
Fees include:
Fees do not include:
Activities calendar: September 2017
Lessons will take place 10:00-15:00 at the INI training space in Iwakura, Kyoto.
How to apply: send us an email at ini.kyoto[at]gmail.com Please attach your C.V. and a brief statement of interest.
*Late applications will be considered only if places are still available. The program will be cancelled if it does not reach the minimum number of participants
The applications for the 2016 INI summer intensive program are now closed. Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming all successful applicants soon.
Stay tuned for information on future workshops and activities!
Illustration: Nohgaku usagi
The International Noh Institute 