"Kurogo Me, Together"

[Definition: Kurogo]

Kurogo is a figure on the stage dressed completely in black from head to toe in Japanese traditional theatre genres of Bunraku puppetry and Kabuki. In the Japanese theatrical code, Kurogo signifies “invisible”/ “ non-existent”, functioning to support the on-stage characters. In Bunraku, Kurogo animates puppets and handles props/set. In Kabuki, Kurogo mainly serves as a stagehand. In both of these 400-year-old Bunraku and Kabuki, women have not been permitted to perform professionally on the stage. Recently, Kurogo has been appropriated in the Western puppetry context as Kuroko in what they call “Bunraku-style” puppet works. The term "Kurogo" means "black garment"; the costume functions as a signifier of the wearer who is perceived as “invisible”/ “non-existent”.

“Kurogo Me, Together!” is a participatory performance art piece that reframes the traditional Japanese theatre, video game avatar, and live participatory theatre.—- “When I first stepped into the space, I thought, ‘What the f…’ Then, I was confused, got frustrated. But after that, I COULD NOT STOP SMILING WITH JOY. Then, tears came out of my eyes.”—-The personal account of a participant in Greenland who experienced a profound emotional journey in 70 minutes.