BYU benshi performance evokes appreciation for century-old silent films

Professional benshi silent film narrator Ichiro Kataoka and silent film piano accompanist Makia Matsumura performed live at Brigham Young University's International Cinema on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Kataoka and Matsumura, both originally from Japan, visited BYU as part of their The Art of Benshi tour. They performed live to short films "Snipped Snake" (Chiho Maekawa, 1932), "Liberty" (Leo McCarey, 1929) and "A Page of Madness" (Teinosuke Kinugasa, 1926).

They had previously done a world tour together in which the two performed benshi in 18 different countries.

Before beginning their performance, Kataoka explained that benshi is a Japanese art form where actors narrate and act live alongside the showing of a silent film. He also explained its popularity in the 1920s and 30s in Japan and how it caused a delay in the country's adoption of sound films.

There used to be around seven thousand benshi actors in Japan, and their salaries were more than the prime minister's, Kataoka said.

He then shared that there are now only about 20 benshi actors in Japan and joked that today the salary is lower than the prime minister.

As part of the benshi art form, Kataoka narrated and voiced over all silent films as Matsumura provided accompaniment music. All performances were done in Japanese with English subtitles provided on the screen.

Students and other guests filled the room to watch the live performance. Garret Bunch, a student studying Japanese at BYU, was one of the many students attending the show.

I have not seen anything like this before, Bunch said. Ive seen silent films with narrators and orchestras in the background, but thats tied to the film; its not live.

Bunch also said the talent of the performers moved him.

Matsumura reached into the piano to pluck the strings to make different sounds, and Kataoka was really cool. You could tell that he really enjoyed what he was doing, and he was really good at it, Bunch said.

Despite benshi performances being rare and only 20 active benshi actors remaining in Japan, Kataoka shared that performances have actually grown in the past 20 years.

There actually were only around 10 benshi actors when I decided to become a benshi actor. So the benshi community has grown in the past 20 years, Kataoka said.

Kataoka and Matsumura attributed the gradual growth in benshi performance to the trend toward vintage art.

Now, people are appreciating the live aspect of this art form and how the performance varies every time. Its something you cant experience with just streaming, Kataoka said.

Both performers shared that this live aspect is what they enjoyed most about benshi.

Matsumura explained that she prefers to play by improvisation and allows inspiration to guide her piano performance.

Today, I was inspired by Kataokas performance, so when his performance became more energetic, I expressed more energy in my piano performance, Matsumura said. I also sometimes get inspired by the reaction of the audience. Even if they watch the same movie, the reactions are always different with different audiences."

Kataoka shared similar sentiments, stating that he finds joy performing benshi when he is able to establish a connection with the audience.

I think what is most interesting about this art form is how we can individualize these films to each audience. When we do that, we are able to feel a connection with the audience and it is during those times where I feel connected to the audience that I love benshi, Kataoka said.

With more works of art from the past entering the public domain, Kataoka and Matsumura shared that they want people to take advantage of them to grow their appreciation for these artworks and make their own creations.

I think it is incredible that people in the 21st century can enjoy these silent films from around 100 years ago. Being able to show people that people back in the day actually did really cool things and being that bridge is something that excites me and keeps me hooked to performing for benshi, Matsumura said.

Kataoka advised anyone who is intrigued by benshi to give it a try themselves, regardless of language or country.

"We are now at a time where a lot of silent films are entering the public domain, Kataoka said. I believe that people should use these works of art and be inspired to create something of their own, and if our tour can inspire people to do so even in America, that would make me very happy."