The Art of the Benshi with Ichiro Kataoka at the HFA

During the silent era in Japan, films were brought to life by the performances of katsudo benshi, who infused the action onscreen with their own narration, dialogue, and expressive interpretation. For this event, renowned benshi ICHIRO KATAOKA narrated three silent films set to live music by piano accompanist JEFF RAPSIS.

The Art of the Benshi, A Performance by Ichiro Kataoka

ICHIRO KATAOKA, master benshi performer
with JEFF RAPSIS, piano accompanist

Taro's Train (Taro-san no kisha)
Yasuji Murata, 1969

Blood's Up in Takadanobaba (Chikemuri Takadanobaba)
Daisuke Ito, 1928

Shoes
Lois Weber, 1916

Click HERE for more information.

Harvard Film Archive Event co-sponsored by the Reischauer Institute