Akoya is a scene from the puppet play Dan no Ura Kabuto Gunki which first premiered in 1732 and was later restaged as a kabuki play. This scene, originally known as the “Koto Torture Scene”, shows Shigetada questioning the courtesan Akoya on where her lover, the defeated Heike warrior Kagekiyo, is. Shigetada forces Akoya to answer his questions while she plays various traditional Japanese instruments such as the koto, shamisen and kokyû (lap fiddle). The actor who plays Akoya requires years of special training to be able to play all three musical instruments on stage for this performance.
Head over to the event page to read more about the Onnagata Roles in Kabuki Dance and other live video performances that will be screening at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.
All entrance is free and there will be English commentary provided at all recordings. The nearest parking for the I. K Barber Learning Centre are the Rose Garden and North Parkades. Parking at UBC is $7 after 5pm. Find other parking on campus here.