HONOLULU (KHON2) — A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is brought to Hawaiʻi as world-renowned kabuki actor Ichikawa Monnosuke VIII leads a rare workshop at UH Mānoa this summer.
The public is invited to experience a free recital on Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. where students express what they learned from Monnosuke in the Earle Ernst Laboratory Theatre.
Yes, it’s a free performance happening only on Aug. 18!
Monnosuke offered a two-week workshop where he focused on teaching kabuki technique and vocal training.
Although his students varied from community members, students and alumni, he cared most about sharing his knowledge with others so that they can learn classical Japanese art.
“In thinking about the future, I feel that this is a really good opportunity to help spread knowledge about kabuki to more and more people around the world,” Monnosuke said through a translator, according to UH Mānoa.
It’s been 100 years since the first known English-language kabuki production in Hawaiʻi.
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In 2024, Monnosuke trained student actors for The Maiden Benten and the Bandits of the White Waves production which sparked the first ever invitation to perform in Japan.
Monnosuke looks forward to sharing his talents with students, the community and keeping his legacy at UH Mānoa alive.
So if you aren’t aware of kabuki and what it brings to the culture, go ahead and check it out on Monday, Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Earle Ernst Laboratory Theatre.