Japanese Language in Action: Summer Theater Workshop For High Schoolers

SPAC's Medea, performed at Japan Society in 2011. Photo by Takuma Uchida.

When we think theater we think of bright costumes and big sets, flashy musical numbers, tear-jerking soliloquys, black box realness or broad, bawdy comedy. On Broadway alone right now, it's spider men spinning impossible spectacle, invisible family-binding bunnies, all that jazz, music of the night and much more. But when you get down to it, theater is fundamentally story, which can be told through many different languages: movement, character, plot, design. And sometimes, in the best theater, the story unfolds simply in language itself (think Shakespeare).

This year’s Japan Society summer high school workshop teaches the most fundamental tool for storytelling, language (specifically Japanese) through theater and performance techniques. Although participants may be of any proficiency level, the program is recommended for beginner to intermediate level speakers.

Led by Mami Fujisaki, a high school Japanese teacher at Horace Mann School and a recipient of the Bellet Award for Teaching Excellence (2004), participants split their days between basic Japanese courses and purely theatrical workshops. In the morning Fujisaki teaches students dialogue and conversational skills. In the afternoon, guest instructors present an array of mini-workshops focusing on storytelling through acting, movement, and even traditional non-theater techniques and pop music, among other topics. Guest instructors include Jun Kim, Sonoko Kawahara and Kanako Hiyama, who participate as actors, directors or dancers in New York Japan-based theatre troupes; Alex York, a veteran Japan Society language student and New York based Japanese pop-rock singer; and Tara McGowan, a traditional storyteller and practitioner of kamishibai (storytelling through illustrated picture cards).

Over the course of the workshop, students learn two plays--Issun Boushi and John Manjiro--which they perform on the final day of the workshop, August 18. Though they will have a hand in creating costumes, set, and lighting, their primary focus will be bringing characters to life and understanding them from the mind of the author as well as the actor. Having polished performance skills, learned basic Japanese, and mastered lines and delivery, they will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the language, and ultimately connecting to people through storytelling.

--Sarah Anderson

Each summer Japan Society’s Education Program offers workshops for high school students aiming to help them connect with a particular facet of Japanese culture. In previous years, students have discovered tops topics such as anime, fashion and cooking. For more information on the Society’s education programming, visit http://www.japansociety.org/page/programs/education_family.

Summertime and the Learning is Easy

Photo by Kenji Takigami

During July and August, the Corporate Program slows down and takes a well-deserved break but it's during these months that our teaching programs get jazzed up.

Our list of summer courses is extensive and covers all manner of ability levels and topics, including classes on mastering kanji and classes devoted solely to reading. What better way to escape the groggy summer heat than by sitting in a cool, air-conditioned classroom and sharpening your Japanese skills?

And we're not just offering lessons on language.

Nearly every year the Education Program invites high school students to participate in an 11-day immersion workshop on Japanese cuisine and culture, during which they examine the multifaceted history of Japanese cuisine in connection with health and wellness. And on the last day of the program, families and friends are invited to a Japanese-style reception where Japanese dishes and tea are served, including those prepared by chefs and participating students.

This is a great confidence booster for any high school student. For example, Josephine Ledda (grade 12) participated in the workshop in the summer of 2008 and remarked:

“The great thing about the Japan Society is that they know how to approach teenagers in a way that'll encourage them to learn. When we took this cooking workshop, we weren't just learning about Japanese food, we were learning about a very important part of their culture. And who wouldn't want to learn about a country through their food?”

You can find other participants' comments, photos, highlights, and activity descriptions of the program in 2008 on our website and if you're interested, don't hesitate to sign up for this summer's Japanese Cuisine 101.

And don't forget to check out the 2010 Course Catalog. I bet you'll find something whether you're just beginning, want to brush up your advanced skills, or need a quick conversation lesson.

みんなさん、がんばってね！