The 50th commemorative performance of the traditional performing arts "Senbon Enma-do Dainenbutsu Kyogen" will be held on May 4, 2024 at Senbon Enma-do (Inshoji Temple) in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. Ta. The venue was filled with a large audience, and the performers' comical gestures and lines drew laughter.
Senbon Enma-do Dai Nenbutsu Kyogen is one of the three major Nenbutsu Kyogen in Kyoto. It was temporarily suspended in 1964 due to a lack of successors, and was revived in 1974. The Preservation Society, formed in 1975, has been rehearsing and holding performances from May 1st to 4th every year.
On the evening of May 2nd, Saga Dai Nenbutsu Kyogen, which is also one of the three major Kyoto Nembutsu Kyogen festivals and is designated as a national important intangible folk cultural property, made a special appearance and performed their popular piece "Tsuchigumo.'' It has been 35 years since the performance was performed at Senbon Enmado. There was also a competition in which the actors from both sides splendidly released spider silk, which excited the audience.
While the Saga Dai-Nenbutsu Kyogen is silent, most of the Senbon Enma-do has lines. Chiakigaku also performed a total of 11 performances, from the silent "Enmacho'' at the beginning to "Sennin Kiri'' at the end. The afternoon session was so successful that there was only standing room, and the audience applauded the humorous performances.
