Title
Rakugo in practice – the art of falling words

Workshop description
This workshop is an introduction to the historical and theoretical tradition of Rakugo. This will be followed with a practical exploration of the conventions of Rakugo and how to introduce this tradition in the classroom.

Learning outcomes
Participants will:
• be introduced to the historical and theoretical context of Rakugo;
• learn the key conventions of Rakugo (act and use the fan and hand towel);
• take part in exercises to explore the use of voice, gesture, movement and manipulation of props;
• explore elements from the tradition that can be used in performance;
• be introduced to some key Rakugo resources.

How this workshop will benefit teachers in their curriculum delivery
The content of this workshop connects to all aspects of the IB Theatre curriculum because it focuses on the transferable skills that include: research skills, presentations skills, performance techniques, production techniques, warm-up exercises and processes of exploration and creation.

Target audience
Teachers of DP Theatre

Fenella Kelly
I have worked for ISTA since 1999, was on the board of trustees for six years and am now an Honorary Life Member. Since 1999 I have hosted festivals on four continents (introducing ISTA to South America) and taken on the roles of creative director, Rep, teacher workshop leader, student ensemble leader for TaPS and artist in residence.

During my 30 year international career I have been fortunate enough to work with many communities around the world to address issues through theatre. Through my work with a theatre company in Brazil, villages in Ethiopia, with children and mothers in slums in India, with asylum seekers in the UK, I have developed ways to implement theatre tools to explore challenging issues. Each experience has demanded a different approach (implementing the ideas of Boal among others). Learning how to enable people to have a voice, so they can address issues and bring about change for good, is one of the roads I continue to travel.

I have been teaching Diploma Theatre since 2001. Since 2003 I have been a Diploma Theatre examiner and have been the Principal Examiner for the Research Presentation since 2013. I have been interested in Rakugo since 2012 and have travelled to Japan to see performances. While not formally trained in the tradition I have taught Rakugo to IB Theatre students in India and Hong Kong and have carried out extensive research into the tradition over the years.

Event coordinator
Keriann O’Rourke

The workshop will take place using the platform Zoom.
Places are limited to 20 participants per workshop.
You will receive a link to the Zoom call the day before the workshop.

The cost of the session is GBP £30 per person.

Any materials shared with you prior to the workshop, such as the workbook. Plus anything requested by the workshop leader which will be shared with you a few days prior to the workshop.

Space requirements
If possible, please try to have a small amount of space near to you for any practical work.