Japanese Storytelling
And now…for something completely different…
Japanese Storytelling. An ancient art form known as Rakugo. Only 800 people in the world are masters.
Katsura Sunshine is one of them. Only…he is not Japanese. He is actually Canadian, and sports a full head of dyed blonde hair. Yet, Katsura Sunshine is indeed a Rakugo storyteller. Katsura (which has become his real name) spent three years in an apprenticeship in Japan learning from a Rakugo master until he was finally accomplished enough to be deemed a master himself.
Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo is a one-man show that is entertaining, enjoyable and easy to consume.
The stories change every month, but Katsura begins each performance spending time explaining what this art form is all about and what he had to endure to become a certified Rakugo master.
What is fascinating is that each culture has its own traditions and rituals. When Katsura lovingly tells his stories about the Japanese rituals that he has observed, it is pretty hilarious.
At New World Stages through April. Get the details.
To hear my interview with the producer of Katsura Sunshine: Rakugo, listen to “Bagels and Broadway with Valerie Smaldone,” Saturday morning from 9-10 on AM970 or on podcast.
Valerie Smaldone is a 5-time Billboard Magazine Award winner and is well known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 on-air position in the New York radio market on 106.7 Life-FM, an iHeart station. She has hosted, produced, and created several award-winning nationally syndicated programs featuring in-depth interviews with stars like Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Mariah Carey among others. Her radio talk show "Bagels and Broadway" highlighted theatre and food personalities. She is an accomplished interviewer and voice artist heard on commercials, narrations, promos and audiobooks, as well as a sought after live announcer.
Most recently, Valerie produced and directed a film, The Thursday Night Club, featuring pop diva Gloria Gaynor in her movie acting debut. She is one of the creators and producers of a docu-series, Divine Renovation, starring Erik Estrada, on streaming networks soon.
