Kia ora from Auckland, New Zealand!
Hope all is well with you all 😊
Here in Auckland, some parts of the city were flooded once again the day before yesterday, and last night we had a thunderstorm with hail where a lightning struck the Sky Tower. The temperature dropped nearly 10 degrees overnight, too.
My life isn’t as dramatic as the Auckland weather these days, but it’s definitely about time for an update on the rakugo front.
As some of you are aware, I have been struggling with a frozen shoulder for a while, but to make it more exciting, I injured my back during my recent trip to Japan. It was kind of exciting to buy my first walking stick, which I affectionately call ‘Mjölnir’, to waddle back to New Zealand.
It felt like being Yurakutei Yakumo if I let my inner anime geek shine through…
Fortunately, I don’t have to use the cane anymore, and I am steadily recovering.
However, the problem is that I still can only hold the seiza position up to only 20-30 minutes.
My usual solo performances run 60-90 minutes, so it is currently not possible to do a full-length performance.
So…
I am looking for groups, organisations or venues in Auckland to let me perform rakugo only up to 30 minutes maximum…
Do you know such people who would kindly invite me?
As it is my favour, I will not charge my usual fees, but I’m keen on performing for free (though petrol money would be appreciated).
I really need to get back to stage to polish my craft.
Please contact me via the contact page if you are interested. Thank you!
Another exciting news is that the rakugo-inspired installation art that Fiona Amundsen and I created will now be exhibited at Tampere Art Museum in Finland.
I’m quite impressed how far it will travel-16,606 km away from here according to Google!
Technically, they will probably build the screens locally over there, so I don’t think it will travel physically, though- so you know that it will not add to the carbon footprints 😁
The exhibition opens on 17 June 2023 and runs until 15 October 2023.
If you happen to be in Finland…
I have 2 Finnish friends, so I’m hoping at least 2 people would check it out.
See you next time!
English Rakugo NZ 