CALL FOR PAPERS: SPECIAL ATJ ISSUE on KYOGEN
Jane Traynor
Call for Papers: Asian Theatre Journal
Special Issue: Spring 2028
Theme
Traditional Kyōgen in Flux: Domestic and International Developments in the 21st Century
The Asian Theatre Journal invites submissions for a special issue dedicated to expansions in the Japanese classical comedy Kyōgen world over the past two-plus decades. While often discussed in tandem with Noh, Kyōgen has carved out a distinct and vibrant trajectory in the 21st century. The past quarter century has witnessed significant shifts, ranging from the restructuring of familial transmission lines to bold intercultural collaborations and the proliferation of shinsaku (newly created) plays.
Two decades after the Special ATJ Kyōgen Issue (24.1), this issue seeks to document, analyze, and theorize recent developments. We encourage scholars and practitioners to look beyond the static preservation of the art form and examine the numerous and varied ways that Kyōgen continues to negotiate its identity both within Japan and on the global stage.
Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
· International Dissemination: Analysis of tours, workshops, and reception in non-Japanese contexts over the last 20 years.
· Intercultural Collaborations: Kyōgen techniques applied to Western classics (e.g., Shakespeare, Beckett) or contemporary experimental theater.
· "New" Repertoire: Critical studies of 21st century shinsaku (newly written) kyōgen.
· Institutional Changes: Shifts in the iemoto (guild) system, training of non-hereditary actors, and professionalization of the art form.
· Gender and Performance: Evolving role and visibility/invisibility of women.
· Mediations: Intersection of Kyōgen with television, film, and digital technology.
· Translations of new plays, adaptations, and articles with fresh scholarly perspectives.
Submission Guidelines & Timeline
We welcome proposals from scholars, researchers, and practitioners. We will assist Japanese or other non-native authors in translation.
- Proposal Length: Abstracts of 500 words or less.
- Submission Deadline for Proposals: Sept. 1, 2026.
- Notification of Selection: Oct. 1, 2026
- Full Manuscript Deadline: March 20, 2027
- Final revisions (if needed): June 20, 2027
*Please note that acceptance of a proposal does not guarantee publication of the final manuscript.
How to Submit
Please send your abstract and a brief (50-word) biography to the Special Issue Editors at kyog...@gmail.com with subject line: ATJ Kyogen 2028 Proposal.
For general Author Guidelines, please visit the Asian Theatre Journal website or download Submission and Style Guidelines here.