Premodern and modern Japanese entertainment, humour, literature and theatre

Summary

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M.W. Shores has a Ph.D. in Japanese literature and specialises in Edo-period (1600-1868) literary arts and entertainment. His research and interests span eras before this to the present day.

Shores apprenticed with rakugo (comic storytelling) masters Katsura Bunshi V (1930-2005) and Hayashiya Somemaru IV (b. 1949) and has trained in other traditional performing arts, such as bunraku, kabuki, kyōgen, nō, shamisen, etc., to supplement his understanding of premodern Japan and be better situated to illustrate that it was anything but quiet or confined to the page. He has worked with numerous scholars and licensed practitioners, examining and translating works, performing in and staging productions, and enjoys involving students in educational and outreach projects.

Supervisor

Dr Matthew Shores.

Research location

Japanese Studies, School of Languages and Cultures (SLC)

Synopsis

Research interests

• Rakugo and other forms of variety entertainment
• Premodern and modern Japanese theatre and performing arts
• Popular culture and media, including variety television programmes
• Colloquial dialogue and humour in premodern and modern texts
• Literature and other arts by those identifying with discriminated and underrepresented groups in Japan, such as Ainu, Burakumin, the disabled, LGBTIQ, Ryūkyūans, seniors, women, and Zainichi Koreans

Supervision

Students wishing to complete postgraduate research related to one or more of Dr Shores’ research specialties are welcome to get in touch by email or in person.

Additional information

1. If you are interested in this research opportunity, you are encouraged to email the potential supervisor directly.  To find their email address, follow the link provided to their profile page. 

When contacting them, you should describe your academic educational background and research experience, and include an academic transcript and CV (resume). You should also include a research proposal (1500-2000 words); refer to How to write a research proposal for guidance. You should explain why you want to undertake a PhD and how you believe your research topic aligns with the supervisor’s own research. You may be asked to supply a sample of written work.

2. Your potential supervisor may offer you advice on developing your research proposal before you submit your application. You will need to provide a written statement from your potential supervisor that they have agreed to supervise your project.

3. If you would like general advice in your subject area before submitting an application, contact an academic advisor listed here: https://www.sydney.edu.au/arts/study/postgraduate-research/postgraduate-research-contact.html

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3297