Rakugo – sztuka opowieści i tożsamości. Japońska tradycja performatywna w kontekście kulturowym
Rakugo: The Art of Storytelling and Identity. The Japanese Performative Tradition in a Cultural Context

Summary/Abstract: The article focuses on the analysis of rakugo—a traditional Japanese art of storytelling performed by a single actor. It presents the origins and development of the form, from medieval Buddhist sermons to contemporary media performances, with particular emphasis on the role of street performers, yose theaters, and the impact of the socio-political transformations of the Meiji era. The structure of a rakugo performance, the typology of stories, the role of humor, and techniques for building a relationship with the audience are discussed. Methodologically, the author adopts an interdisciplinary approach that combines elements of theatre studies, literary studies, and cultural anthropology. The analysis also covers the professional hierarchy of rakugoka, the educational process, and the specific features of shugyō training. Special attention is given to the reception of rakugo outside Japan, including in Poland, with references to initiatives promoting this art, such as the “Rakugo Without Borders” foundation and the Kobito Rakugo group. The aim of the article is to present rakugo not only as a form of entertainment but also as a complex cultural phenomenon with profound social, educational, and artistic dimensions.

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