Benshi (å¼ å£«) were Japanese performers who provided live narration
for silent films (both Japanese films and Western films). Benshi are
sometimes called katsudÅ -benshi (æ´»å‹•å¼ å£«) or katsuben
(æ´»å¼ ).During silent films, the benshi stood to the side of the
screen and introduced and related the story to the audience. In
theatrical style, benshi often spoke for the characters on-screen and
played multiple roles. Stemming from the traditions of kabuki and Noh
theaters, the benshi's narration and general commentary were an
important part of the Japanese silent film experience. The benshi also
provided translation for foreign (mostly American) movies.Much like in
the West, Japanese silent films were often accompanied by live music
(in addition to the benshi). However, unlike Western films, which
tended to have a theatre organ as accompaniment, Japanese films had a
score which supported the traditional Japanese instruments of a kabuki
play. Since benshi performed without external amplification, they had
to carefully coordinate with the orchestra to be heard. At that time,
theaters typically seated 1000, so a trademark of successful benshi
was the ability to project their voices into large spaces.Famous
benshi active in the silent era include Musei Tokugawa (at the Aoikan
and Musashinokan theaters), SaburÅ Somei (at the Denkikan), Rakuten
Nishimura, Raiyū Ikoma (at the Teikokukan), Mitsugu Ōkura, and
ShirÅ ÅŒtsuji.
for silent films (both Japanese films and Western films). Benshi are
sometimes called katsudÅ -benshi (æ´»å‹•å¼ å£«) or katsuben
(æ´»å¼ ).During silent films, the benshi stood to the side of the
screen and introduced and related the story to the audience. In
theatrical style, benshi often spoke for the characters on-screen and
played multiple roles. Stemming from the traditions of kabuki and Noh
theaters, the benshi's narration and general commentary were an
important part of the Japanese silent film experience. The benshi also
provided translation for foreign (mostly American) movies.Much like in
the West, Japanese silent films were often accompanied by live music
(in addition to the benshi). However, unlike Western films, which
tended to have a theatre organ as accompaniment, Japanese films had a
score which supported the traditional Japanese instruments of a kabuki
play. Since benshi performed without external amplification, they had
to carefully coordinate with the orchestra to be heard. At that time,
theaters typically seated 1000, so a trademark of successful benshi
was the ability to project their voices into large spaces.Famous
benshi active in the silent era include Musei Tokugawa (at the Aoikan
and Musashinokan theaters), SaburÅ Somei (at the Denkikan), Rakuten
Nishimura, Raiyū Ikoma (at the Teikokukan), Mitsugu Ōkura, and
ShirÅ ÅŒtsuji.
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