Our community friend Mami Kay will introduce you to Japanese picture storytelling-kamishibai or 'paper theatre', which began as early as the 9th century in Japanese Buddhist temples. In the 1930s, Japan suffered an economic depression that sent many people onto the streets looking for a way to live, and kamishibai offered an opportunity for story-tellers.
The men returning from the war, rode their bicycles on the streets and told stories to the children and the adults. Kamishibai has never entirely died out. Used for educational purposes, it is still being published and can be found in schools and libraries throughout Japan.
Mami will be supported by a performer who will be acting while Mami tells the story. Mami will be showcasing a Kamishibai storybook at Terrific Tots preschool sessions in February and March to introduce Kamishibai, then on 5 April come and experience a special storytelling performance by Voy Tutavake. Voy Tutavake is no war veteran but is extremely thrilled in accepting the challenge to 'revive' Kamishibai at World of Cultures 2025.
Voy is also known as Scroll Kid Syllable (Hiphop/Neo Soul artist). He has worked as an Action Actor on Apple TV series Chief of War and in Shortland Street in 2022 as Rory Lyons. Voy has a unique flair and a great understanding of Japanese culture. He will be the first known man to perform Kamishibai in New Zealand.
You don’t want to miss this!
Storytelling performance: Saturday 5 April, 10.30am-11am
Kaimishibai storybook showcase: Thursday 20 March, 10am-10.15am
