Photo Gallery: Kyogen Japanese Theater

Kyogen actors take the stage for their performance of 'Obagasake,' at Asia Society on April 14, 2016 (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)
Kyogen actors take the stage for their performance of 'Obagasake,' at Asia Society on April 14, 2016 (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)
Kyogen actors take the stage for their performance of 'Obagasake,' at Asia Society on April 14, 2016 (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)
Kyogen actors take the stage for their performance of 'Obagasake,' at Asia Society on April 14, 2016 (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)
Kyogen actors take the stage for their performance of 'Obagasake,' at Asia Society on April 14, 2016 (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)
Kyogen actors take the stage for their performance of 'Obagasake,' at Asia Society on April 14, 2016 (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)
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For hundreds of years, the Japanese theater form of Kyogen solely existed as comic relief entertainment during the intermissions of dramatic Noh performances. However, the 600 year-old Kyogen practice has since transformed into one of Japan's core traditional theater genres, by using the universal language of comedic schtick.

Asia Society welcomed Kyogen master Nomura Manzo IX and his ensemble cast for a performance of Obagasake, a light-hearted story about a sake-loving nephew who tries to get his aunt to serve him alcohol. 

Enjoy the above slideshow, then read our full coverage on Asia Blog.