Join us for an afternoon of rakugo with Kazumi Hatasa (Professor of Japanese, Purdue University) and Ryutei Saryu (rakugo master from Japan). Rakugo is a traditional Japanese form of comedic storytelling. A solo performer dressed in kimono sits throughout his performance in the formal sitting position on a three-by-three-foot cushion called a zabuton. Using only sensu (a fan) and tenugui (a Japanese-style towel), the rakugo master tells vivid stories relying solely on voice, gestures, and facial expressions. Prof. Hatasa and master Ryutei will introduce and demonstrate the art of rakugo. Students from the Japanese language class will also perform kobanashi (short jokes) guided by Prof. Hatasa and master Ryutei. (Performance will be in Japanese with English subtitles.)