Rakugo makes a comeback

One of the ancient arts here in Japan is rakugo. Basically a comic monologue, short stories told vocally. The traditional format has the story teller in gray robes (I think it's a kimono, but now that I'm writing this, I realize that I'm not completely sure) sitting on a zabuton, which is a small flat cushion. He may have a folding fan and a small handkerchief, but those are the only traditional props. And he tells a short humorous story. Now rakugo presentations typically run several hours, with the juniors presenting early and the seniors presenting later. One of the tricks here is that there is usually not a set agenda, so each story teller can tell whatever story they want to. And it is a point of honor not to tell the same story that someone earlier has told, so the seniors must either have a very large repertoire or be prepared to make up a new story on the spur of the moment.

The television has taken its toll on the audience for this. However, apparently rakugo is making a comeback largely due to new technology. The newest venue for this ancient art is video podcasts, little video snips available for your cellphone or iPod or reasonable facsimile. And people who watch and listen to these are starting to turn up as audiences for live presentations, while a few even start participating.

I wonder if we still have any vaudevillians wandering around? I'd pay for Gracie and Allen clips!