The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will present the 1931 Japanese silent film Jirokichi the Rat (御誂治郎吉格子) with a live benshi performance on February 26.
Once known as “poets of the dark," benshi brought silent films to life through commentary and vocal performance, giving voice to the characters on screen. As many as 8000 benshi were performing across the country and the Japanese empire by the 1930s, and their popularity—and power—slowed the introduction of sound film in Japan.The event starts at 5:30 pm in 125 Frick Fine Arts (map) and is free and open to the public.
Join us to see internationally celebrated Kataoka Ichiro narrate a silent film, accompanied by pianist Tom Roberts.