About Noh, Can Lah

Noh, Can Lah! was launched in September 2021 by Hayashi Nohgakai and a group of Japanese and Malaysian performance artists who love Noh. The project aims to promote mutual cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries through Noh theatre, by introducing new Noh productions based on Malaysian folklore.

Five years ago, in 2017, during the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Malaysia, Hayashi Nohgakukai delivered a program called “Funa Benkei” in Kuala Lumpur at the invitation of the Japan Foundation. Many people watched Nohgaku for the first time in the hall inside the Petronas Twin Towers, which is a landmark of the capital, Kuala Lumpur. This was how our friendship with Malaysian people began.

In 2019, Hayashi Soichiro and Matsuno Hiroyuki were invited again and held a three-day intensive course for Malaysian dancers and actors who have learned about Nogaku or have a strong interest in traditional Japanese culture. They were impressed by the fact that the 15 people who participated worked very enthusiastically and with respect for Japanese culture, so they began to wonder if they could make a new work with them again next time.

While keeping the idea alive, it was in 2021 when they decided to start a project online as the first step. And now Noh, can lah! has finally started! The group being centered around the original members at that time in 2019, along with new friends joining.

Of course, our aim is for the new Noh work to be performed and be received in both Japan and Malaysia. We have also created a website so that everyone can enjoy the process together.

We hope that this initiative will give the opportunity to sense the cultural connections that transcend time and space towards rediscovering culture. Let’s enjoy the differences and commonalities. We would also appreciate it if you could keep an eye on us in the long run!

Noh, Can Lah! Management Team