Embassy of Japan in Denmark, in cooperation with Copenhagen Business School, held an Otome Bunraku performance & workshop event at Rialto Theater in Frederiksberg on 28th October 2014. The troupe “Hitomiza Otome Bunraku” that performed this time was dispatched from Japan by Japan Foundation.
Unlike (normal) Bunraku, Otome Bunraku has traditionally been performed only by women. At the event, two dramas: “Ninin Sanbasou” and “Osono no kudoki “ from “Hadesugata Onna Maiginu” were performed. There was also a workshop where audience who volunteered could actually try operating the bunraku dolls by themselves.
At the workshop, out of altogether 140 guests, 4 volunteers tried to put the dolls on their arms and legs, and then tried acting. On the stage they seemed to be surprised how heavy the dolls are and how difficult it is to operate them.
There was clearly high interest and sense of enthusiasm around the event, as many people stayed and enjoyed taking pictures with Bunraku dolls.