The Palace Theater will be presenting a traditional Japanese rakugo performance Sunday in Hilo.
Rakugo, which means “story with a punch line,” is a type of traditional Japanese comedy similar to stand-up comedy.
The storyteller, or rakugo-ka, remains seated on a raised platform while using small accessories like paper fans as props. The rakugo-ka tells funny, sometimes sentimental stories while portraying multiple characters.
For this show, three rakugo-ka from Japan will perform this traditional Japanese art. The performers names, including one of the most popular in Japan, will not be revealed until Saturday, the day before the show.
“We can’t disclose the performances, because it’s part of the fun. Three performers will take turns presenting rakugo and will tell funny, educational and sentimental stories,” said coordinator Kaori Mahelona. “This is a very rare opportunity for the Japanese community and we’re excited to see people come see it.”
The show will be presented in Japanese and will be filmed and broadcast in Japan. The show is geared toward children ages 10 years and older, according to Palace Theater’s website.
“This is a rare opportunity as it’s the first time rakugo storytellers have been to Hilo,” Mahelona said. “It’s also free, which is impossible to find in Japan. I think it’s great that the Palace is hosting since it’s such a historic theater and rakugo is a historic tradition.”
The two-hour show will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Palace Theater. Admission is free, but a coupon is required for entry. Coupons will be distributed at the theater the day of the show.
More information on rakugo and other upcoming Palace Theater events can be found at hilopalace.com.