Hosho Heritage
Noh Theatre comes to Teatro Franco Parenti, bringing to Milan the centuries-old tradition of Japan’s master performers.
One of the world’s oldest theatrical traditions, still a rare and remarkable presence on Italian stages today. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2003, Noh is a mesmerising synthesis of poetry, music, song, dance and drama. Its distinctive theatrical language unfolds through exquisite costumes and hauntingly beautiful masks carved from cypress wood.
Born in Japan during the Muromachi period and handed down from generation to generation, Noh remains a living tradition today—an extraordinary art form suspended between ritual, theatre and poetry, where centuries of history meet the timeless power of the stage.
Part One
Fukuro Yamabushi – The Hermit and the Owl
Kyogen Comic Farce (30′)
A man seeks the help of a Yamabushi, a mountain hermit endowed with magical powers, to cure his brother, who has been possessed by a spirit. The monk is supremely confident in his abilities, but the ritual soon spirals out of his control. Instead of driving the spirit away, he himself falls under the influence of an owl, behaving in increasingly comical and animal-like ways. A playful farce that gently mocks human arrogance and turns spiritual pretensions into a series of hilarious situations.
Part Two
Funa-Benkei – Benkei on the Boat
Traditional Noh Drama (60′)
The noble Yoshitsune flees from his enemies with his beloved Shizuka and his loyal warrior-monk, Benkei. Before setting out, Shizuka performs one final dance before sadly parting from Yoshitsune. As they journey by boat, a violent storm summons the ghost of the warrior Tomomori, who seeks revenge. Benkei prays to the gods, who calm the tempest and banish the spirit. The drama highlights Benkei’s unwavering loyalty while bringing into poignant contrast the worlds of love, war and the supernatural.
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Credits
Part One
FUKURO YAMABUSHI
THE HERMIT AND THE OWL
Cast
Yamabushi, mountain hermit — Kennosuke Nomura
Elder Brother — Kota Ishii
Younger Brother — Yuki Kono
Part Two
FUNA-BENKEI
BENKEI ON THE BOAT
Traditional Noh Drama (60′)
Cast
Tomomori, warrior spirit of the enemy clan — Kazufusa Hosho
Shizuka, dancer and Yoshitsune’s beloved — Kazufusa Hosho
Benkei, Yoshitsune’s loyal retainer — Hiroshi Obinata
Benkei’s Follower — Yo Obinata
Yoshitsune, noble exile — Tomoharu Hosho
Musicians and Singers
Nohkan Flute — Yu Takamura
Ko-tsuzumi (Small Hand Drum) — Yoshiaki Iitomi
O-tsuzumi (Large Hand Drum) — Yuichiro Kawamura
Taiko Drum — Kazuha Nakata
Chorus (Jiutai)
Satoshi Nozuki / Takashi Higashikawa / Yoshimitsu Kanamori /
Hajime Tazaki / Naotoshi Ishizuka
Stage Assistants (Kouken)
Sotaro Waku / Tobiyoshi Naito
Stage Manager — Nanae Nishi
Production Managers — Akiko Sugiyama / Rino Sasaki
Project Coordination
Change performing arts
Director
Franco Laera
Production
Alice Scarfato / Federica Di Mauro
Special project marking 160 years of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan
With the support of the Agency for Cultural Affairs of the Government of Japan and the Tokyo Club
