PAST EVENTS
2024
Image © Naoshi HATORI, provided by Aichi Prefectural Art Theatre
Timeless beauty of the classical Dying Swan, originally choreographed by Mikhail Fokine, has inspired many audiences and artists. Now, 120 years after its premiere, Japanese prima ballerina Hana Sakai performs this iconic piece exquisitely, followed by a thought-provoking new interpretation directed by award-winning Japanese theater director Toshiki Okada. Enhanced by the haunting melodies of live cello played by Udai Shika, the contemporary piece also delves into environmental issues, with Hana delivering unexpected expressions.
Theatre of Yugen’s Artistic lead Lluís Valls graces the special evening with a Shimai Dance and Nohgaku-infused Ophelia from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Following the performance, join in the post-show conversation with all the artists and producers from Japan! Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness and explore the boundless possibilities of intercultural artistic collaborations and convergence!
The Dying Swan & Its Cause of Death
Performed by Hana Sakai
Direction/text by Toshiki Okada
In Japanese with English supertitles
The Dying Swan & Its Cause of Death
Performed by Hana Sakai
Direction/text by Toshiki Okada
In Japanese with English supertitles
Presented by the U.S./Japan Cultural Trade Network, Inc. (CTN), co-presented by Theatre of Yugen, supported in part by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan. Additional support is provided by the Aichi Prefectural Art Theater, Dance Base Yokohama and the Japan Society New York.
© Tomohide Ikeya
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Hana Sakai, Ballet Dancer
Born in Seattle, U.S.A., and raised in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Hana Sakai began ballet in 1979, studying under Toshiaki Hatasa. She joined the Tachibana Ballet School and the Maki Asami Ballet Tokyo, where she was selected for the role of Cupid at the age of 14 and made her debut as a leading role at the age of 18. In 1997, she transferred to the New National Ballet Company, and performed the leading role. She made a guest appearance in "Contact" by the Shiki Theatre Company in 2007 and "Andersen" in 2009. Hana began collaborating with Yasutake Shimaji as the unit "Altneu" (Altneu) in 2013. She has received many prestigious awards and honors including Muramatsu Award, Einosuke Nakagawa Award, Dance Critics Society Newcomer Prize, Minister of Education's Art Encouragement Prize, Chieko Hattori Award, Dance Critics Society Award, Minister of Education's Art Encouragement Prize, Nimura Dance Award, Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2017, and the 69th Art of Dance Award in 2021. |
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Udai Shika, Cellist
Udai Shika is a versatile cellist known for his eclectic performances across a range of genres, including rock, pop, jazz, classical, and improvised music. Since the 2010s, he has held a prominent position as one of the top string arrangers in the Japanese music scene. In recent years, Udai has played and arranged strings for Bank Band, Mr. Children, ONE OK ROCK, and various other rock bands. In October 2019, he released his album "Taiyo no Tani (Valley of the Sun)," featuring his renditions of Bach's unaccompanied cello suites. Beyond his interpretations of classical works, he is recognized for his original compositions and his unique approach to blending classical music with improvisational flair. http://udai66.com/ |
© Kikuko Usuyama
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Toshiki Okada, Director
Toshiki Okada is a playwright, director and novelist. He is an innovator of form and a key figure in Japanese contemporary theater, and one of the world’s most recognized theater-makers of today. Born in Yokohama in 1973, he formed the theater company chelfitsch in 1997. Since then he has written and directed all of the company’s productions, employing a distinctive methodology for creating plays, and has come to be known for his use of “hyper-colloquial” Japanese and unique choreography. chelfitsch made its debut abroad with the performance “Five Days in March” in 2007, and has since presented works in more than 70 cities around the world. With that show, the company began to juxtapose a noisy choreography derived from everyday mannerisms to the text. In 2016, he began a commission to direct works in a repertory program at the Munich Kammerspiele, one of foremost public theaters in Germany, for three consecutive seasons. Meanwhile, he is engaged in the creation of works with the new technique of “video theater.” |
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Lluís Valls, Lead Artist of Theatre of Yugen
Lluís acts, directs, and writes for the theatre. He has studied Noh with Richard Emmert, Akira Matsui, and Teruhisa Oshima (Kita school), Kyogen with Yukio Ishida, Go Iida and Yuriko Doi (Izumi school), and Kotsuzumi Noh drum with Mitsuo Kama (Ko school), as well as training in butoh, Suzuki method, and clowning. A graduate of SFSU, Lluís has been a disciple of founder Yuriko Doi since 1993 and served as Theatre of Yugen’s Joint Artistic Director with Jubilith Moore and Libby Zilber from 2002 – 2008. He has been a main actor for Yugen since 1997 and currently serves as the Director of the Kyogen Company. Lluís is also a founding member of the local Clown company Clowns on a Stick, as well as international Noh troupe Theatre Nohgaku with whom he has toured throughout Europe, Asia and the US. |
© Takayuki Abe
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Eri Karatsu, Artistic Director with Aichi Prefectural Art Theater and Dance Base Yokohama (DaBY)
Eri graduated from Ochanomizu University, Faculty of Letters and Education, Department of Dance Education, and completed the Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences of the same university. After a career on the stage, Eri worked at the Aichi Arts Center as Japan's first dance curator from 1993. She received the first Asahi Arts Award at the Aichi Cultural Information Center in 2000. She has been in her current position since 2021. Eri was the performing arts curator for the Aichi Triennale from 2010 to 2016. She has produced and invited over 200 productions and projects ranging from large-scale international co-productions to experimental performances. Upon the establishment of DaBY, she became actively involved in improving the overall environment for dance and performing arts, advocating for the rights of artists, dancers, and staff, and implementing measures to expand audiences and markets. She is the Director of SEGA SAMMY Arts Foundation. Her written work includes her book, L'intelligence du corps. She received the 73rd Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize in 2022. |
Join us for a special evening to experience an interactive digital artwork set for the 20th micro-season, "Worms surface / 蚯蚓出 / みみずいづる / Mimizu izuru" by Na Omi Judy Shintani and Colin Wright!
Joined by Regenerative Development Strategist Nina Bazan-Sakamoto and Seed Scientist Kana Koa Weaver, the panel will discuss how the collective wisdom and creativity of our communities inspire ecological lifestyles and practices rooted in the Japanese cultural traditions.
After the insightful discussions and Q&A, you will have an opportunity to try out the interactive digital artwork yourself at NOHSpace, an intimate cultural hub in the heart of the Mission, San Francisco!
Tuesday, May 14, 7pm - 8:30pm
Venue: NOHSpace (2840 Mariposa Street, San Francisco)
Admission Free - no registration required
Joined by Regenerative Development Strategist Nina Bazan-Sakamoto and Seed Scientist Kana Koa Weaver, the panel will discuss how the collective wisdom and creativity of our communities inspire ecological lifestyles and practices rooted in the Japanese cultural traditions.
After the insightful discussions and Q&A, you will have an opportunity to try out the interactive digital artwork yourself at NOHSpace, an intimate cultural hub in the heart of the Mission, San Francisco!
Tuesday, May 14, 7pm - 8:30pm
Venue: NOHSpace (2840 Mariposa Street, San Francisco)
Admission Free - no registration required
2023
Photo by Isak Immanuel
The multi-media intergenerational dance performance “Relative Audience” explores the act of witnessing the shifting distances (geographic and immaterial) that exist in family. As children, siblings, and parents perceive each other in many ways, the work looks at the impact of witnessing and also being witnessed over long durations of time. Observing family connections, the work reflects on the difficulties of caring for each other through varied proximity.
“Relative Audience” features Marina Fukushima and her parents (both visual artists), Hiroki and Michiko Fukushima, as two contrasting generations of immigrants to the United States from Japan. An additional layer is composed of interviews and physical interactions with Asian American seniors in their 80’s and 90’s exploring the theme of family connections as immigrants. Development of the video and installation is created in collaboration with interdisciplinary artist Isak Immanuel. As a multi-media intergenerational project, the work is based on questions of how the physical presence, borders of life, and absence influences the unique family connection generationally.
Co-produced by Marina Fukushima & Theatre of Yugen
Co-presented by CTN
“Relative Audience” features Marina Fukushima and her parents (both visual artists), Hiroki and Michiko Fukushima, as two contrasting generations of immigrants to the United States from Japan. An additional layer is composed of interviews and physical interactions with Asian American seniors in their 80’s and 90’s exploring the theme of family connections as immigrants. Development of the video and installation is created in collaboration with interdisciplinary artist Isak Immanuel. As a multi-media intergenerational project, the work is based on questions of how the physical presence, borders of life, and absence influences the unique family connection generationally.
Co-produced by Marina Fukushima & Theatre of Yugen
Co-presented by CTN
Background photo by Sachiko Takeuchi / 竹内佐智子
This event is sold out. Thank you!
To see the photos, click here!
To see the photos, click here!
The 72 Seasons, or 72 候, are a traditional calendar of micro-seasons that encourage a deep appreciation for the subtle changes of the natural world and the cultural practices that develop around them. As part of CTN's 72 Seasons Project, three Bay Area dance companies, Sharp & Fine, Detour Dance, and Kristin Damrow & Company, will share new creations that explore the 12th season, Distant Thunders Heard.
Sharp & Fine (S&F), co-directed by sisters Megan and Shannon Kurashige, creates experiments in theatrical storytelling and physically exuberant choreography. S&F's work brings together dance, emotionally nuanced text, live music, and the belief that telling a story built on personal truths is a powerful act of communication and empathy.
Detour Dance is a devised-theater ensemble that creates bold performances rooted in drag and dance. Founded in 2009 by Eric Garcia and Kat Gorospe Cole, Detour produces immersive and site-responsive experiences that are oriented towards queer lineages and legacies, present-day complexities, and future-facing possibilities. Detour also presents Clutch The Pearls, a monthly vaudeville cabaret for experimental drag performance artists.
Kristin Damrow & Company (KDC) is an Isadora Duncan Award-nominated contemporary dance company. KDC’s performances are developed from the physical exploration of the design process through form, space, and human experience. KDC has been commissioned to create work for the FOG Design + Art, Oakland Museum of California, Airbnb Design, among others.
Sharp & Fine (S&F), co-directed by sisters Megan and Shannon Kurashige, creates experiments in theatrical storytelling and physically exuberant choreography. S&F's work brings together dance, emotionally nuanced text, live music, and the belief that telling a story built on personal truths is a powerful act of communication and empathy.
Detour Dance is a devised-theater ensemble that creates bold performances rooted in drag and dance. Founded in 2009 by Eric Garcia and Kat Gorospe Cole, Detour produces immersive and site-responsive experiences that are oriented towards queer lineages and legacies, present-day complexities, and future-facing possibilities. Detour also presents Clutch The Pearls, a monthly vaudeville cabaret for experimental drag performance artists.
Kristin Damrow & Company (KDC) is an Isadora Duncan Award-nominated contemporary dance company. KDC’s performances are developed from the physical exploration of the design process through form, space, and human experience. KDC has been commissioned to create work for the FOG Design + Art, Oakland Museum of California, Airbnb Design, among others.
2021
Online event: ART X SAKE - Live Performance Art
Co-presented as part of CTN's 72 Seasons Project
Date: October 17, 2021
October is the start of the brewing season for Sake. On October 17, let's celebrate the season with collaborative performance art by aricoco and a mini-lecture on Sake/Doburoku by Sarika! NYC-based interdisciplinary artist aricoco, Warsaw-based trailblazing woman entrepreneur Sarika (former UN official, founder of Sarika Sake, and master of Face Yoga), and CTN's Kyoko and Miwa are joining forces to present an hour-long virtual presentation to audiences across the globe. You will get to catch a glimpse of the origin of Sake and Doburoku by participating in the quizzes, listening to Sarika’s mini lecture, and watching the live collaborative performance by aricoco and Sarika! Have your favorite Sake ready to immerse yourself into their world and interact with them during the Q&A session.
Co-presented as part of CTN's 72 Seasons Project
Date: October 17, 2021
October is the start of the brewing season for Sake. On October 17, let's celebrate the season with collaborative performance art by aricoco and a mini-lecture on Sake/Doburoku by Sarika! NYC-based interdisciplinary artist aricoco, Warsaw-based trailblazing woman entrepreneur Sarika (former UN official, founder of Sarika Sake, and master of Face Yoga), and CTN's Kyoko and Miwa are joining forces to present an hour-long virtual presentation to audiences across the globe. You will get to catch a glimpse of the origin of Sake and Doburoku by participating in the quizzes, listening to Sarika’s mini lecture, and watching the live collaborative performance by aricoco and Sarika! Have your favorite Sake ready to immerse yourself into their world and interact with them during the Q&A session.
aricoco (Ari Tabei), born and raised in Tokyo, is an interdisciplinary visual artist based in NYC. After earning her MFA from University of Connecticut in sculpture and video performance art in 2007, she moved to NYC to exhibit and perform extensively in the city. She was awarded numerous residencies and fellowships including; A.I.R. Gallery Fellowship, LMCC Swing Space, Smack Mellon Artist Studio Program, Sculpture Space, AIM, Museum of Art and Design Open Studios, BRIC Visual Artist Residency, Culture Push and NYFA Artist’s Fellowship in the category of Interdisciplinary work. aricoco had her solo exhibition at Sunroom Project Space, Wave Hill in 2015. As a recipient of Franklin Furnace Fund in 2016/17, aricoco exhibited and performed her collaborative project at La MaMa Galleria in 2018. In 2020, she was awarded LMCC Creative Engagement Fund and produced a virtual runway-performance show. Currently, aricoco is working on her new project supported by New York City Artist Corps Grant. Website | Instagram @runawayaricoco
Sarika Seki Hussey, UN official turned Sake Yogi, is the founder of Sarika Group, a niech education consultancy specializing in Sake Education and Face Yoga to brighten people's faces and spirits. Her mission is to help Sake virgins discover the beauty of Sake through bespoke Sake education, in support of small-scale breweries and Women in Sake. She has also been recently appointed as Doburoku Ambassador to share the cultural and historic significance of the Origins of Sake. Before entrepreneurship, Sarika worked with the United Nations in Asia & Africa on women's empowerment and sustainable urban development for a decade, after her Master of Science at the London School of Economics. She has travelled to over 60 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe; Lived in 11 countries in 4 continents. She is a mother of two, and married to an Irishman. She loves to eat and drink. Website | Instagram @sarika.sake
2020
Online Viewing of Seinendan's Selected Works PART 2
Produced by Japan Society of New York
"Control Officers"
Followed by a newly recorded Q&A with Japan Society’s Artistic Director Yoko Shioya and Oriza Hirata.
Date: May 28 - June 28, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the presentations of “Control Officers” and "100 Meters" by Seinendan, scheduled on May 19th and 20th at Southside Theatre at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture were cancelled. However, thanks to the Japan Society New York, these two selections of Seinendan's past works can be viewed online for limited time.
“Control Officers,” a cynical yet humorous one-act play, looks at what’s going on behind the scenes in the lead-up to the Summer Games in Tokyo, as the country’s top male swimmers undergo a routine doping test. Hilarity ensues when the control officers try to remain neutral as the ongoing interpersonal drama between the swimmers unfolds before them.
Produced by Japan Society of New York
"Control Officers"
Followed by a newly recorded Q&A with Japan Society’s Artistic Director Yoko Shioya and Oriza Hirata.
Date: May 28 - June 28, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the presentations of “Control Officers” and "100 Meters" by Seinendan, scheduled on May 19th and 20th at Southside Theatre at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture were cancelled. However, thanks to the Japan Society New York, these two selections of Seinendan's past works can be viewed online for limited time.
“Control Officers,” a cynical yet humorous one-act play, looks at what’s going on behind the scenes in the lead-up to the Summer Games in Tokyo, as the country’s top male swimmers undergo a routine doping test. Hilarity ensues when the control officers try to remain neutral as the ongoing interpersonal drama between the swimmers unfolds before them.
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Seinendan is a theater company formed by Oriza Hirata in Tokyo in 1983. We have been pursuing a new theatrical style through the practice of Hirata's "contemporary colloquial theater theory." This totally new style has had a strong influence on Japanese theater since the 1990s as well as on vast areas such as literature, linguistic study and language education.
Oriza Hirata (Playwright/Director) was born in Tokyo in 1962. He is a playwright and artistic director of Komaba Agora Theater, and director and leader of Seinendan theater group. He is also Artistic Director of Kinosaki International Arts Center, and specially appointed professor of Osaka University and project professor at Tokyo University of the Arts. Awards include Kishida Prize for Drama for his play Tokyo Notes in 1995. Hirata received Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres, awarded by French Ministry of Culture.
Oriza Hirata (Playwright/Director) was born in Tokyo in 1962. He is a playwright and artistic director of Komaba Agora Theater, and director and leader of Seinendan theater group. He is also Artistic Director of Kinosaki International Arts Center, and specially appointed professor of Osaka University and project professor at Tokyo University of the Arts. Awards include Kishida Prize for Drama for his play Tokyo Notes in 1995. Hirata received Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres, awarded by French Ministry of Culture.
"I, Work" (TPAM in Yokohama, 2011) Photo: Tsukasa Aoki
Online Viewing of Seinendan's Selected Works PART 1
Produced by Japan Society of New York
Robot Theater Double-Bill "Sayonara" & "I, Worker"
"Ronin Office Ladies"
Date: May 1 - 28, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the presentations of “Control Officers” and "100 Meters" by Seinendan, scheduled on May 19th and 20th at Southside Theatre at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture were cancelled. However, thanks to the Japan Society New York, these two selections of Seinendan's past works can be viewed online for limited time.
Robot Theater, a double-bill of "Sayonara" and "I, Worker," feature both human and android performers. In "Sayonara," an android is brought to console a girl suffering from a fatal illness, but when its mechanics go awry, the meaning of life and death to humans and robots comes into question. In "I, Worker," a husband's struggle to cope with the loss of his child is juxtaposed with the malaise of one of his robots, which has lost all motivation to work.
"Ronin Office Ladies" features a lunchroom filled with female office workers nonchalantly gossiping about serious topics like loyalty, revenge, rebellion, and suicide.
Produced by Japan Society of New York
Robot Theater Double-Bill "Sayonara" & "I, Worker"
"Ronin Office Ladies"
Date: May 1 - 28, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the presentations of “Control Officers” and "100 Meters" by Seinendan, scheduled on May 19th and 20th at Southside Theatre at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture were cancelled. However, thanks to the Japan Society New York, these two selections of Seinendan's past works can be viewed online for limited time.
Robot Theater, a double-bill of "Sayonara" and "I, Worker," feature both human and android performers. In "Sayonara," an android is brought to console a girl suffering from a fatal illness, but when its mechanics go awry, the meaning of life and death to humans and robots comes into question. In "I, Worker," a husband's struggle to cope with the loss of his child is juxtaposed with the malaise of one of his robots, which has lost all motivation to work.
"Ronin Office Ladies" features a lunchroom filled with female office workers nonchalantly gossiping about serious topics like loyalty, revenge, rebellion, and suicide.
2019
Kabuki Actor Kyozo Nakamura Special Lecture and Demonstration
Presented by Theatre of Yugen, in Association with CTN
Date and Time: Saturday, November 9, 3PM
Location: Theatre of Yugen @ NOHSpace
Address: 2840 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Admission: FREE (Suggested Donation $10) | Reservation Required
For Details & Reservations: http://www.theatreofyugen.org/kyozo
Presented by Theatre of Yugen, in Association with CTN
Date and Time: Saturday, November 9, 3PM
Location: Theatre of Yugen @ NOHSpace
Address: 2840 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Admission: FREE (Suggested Donation $10) | Reservation Required
For Details & Reservations: http://www.theatreofyugen.org/kyozo
Special Symposium: Arts and the Environment
Date and Time: Friday, May 31, 2PM
Duration: 180 minutes
Location: Southside Theater @ Fort Mason Center
Admission: FREE
An opportunity to hear from and discuss with artists and activists who have been addressing the issues of environmental justice and anthropocentrism through their aesthetics, process, expressions and actions. There will also be time to enjoy sample refreshments (mini onigiri/riceballs and miso soup), prepared by AEDAN Fermented Foods. The forum will conclude with a 15-minute outdoor ritual performance by special international guests promoting harmony with nature by honoring the cultivation of seeds and millet.
Date and Time: Friday, May 31, 2PM
Duration: 180 minutes
Location: Southside Theater @ Fort Mason Center
Admission: FREE
An opportunity to hear from and discuss with artists and activists who have been addressing the issues of environmental justice and anthropocentrism through their aesthetics, process, expressions and actions. There will also be time to enjoy sample refreshments (mini onigiri/riceballs and miso soup), prepared by AEDAN Fermented Foods. The forum will conclude with a 15-minute outdoor ritual performance by special international guests promoting harmony with nature by honoring the cultivation of seeds and millet.
Speakers
Tomoko Momiyama: Tokyo based Tomoko works internationally as a music composer, dramaturg, and producer of multi-disciplinary art events, installations, and performances. She graduated from Stanford University in the U.S. with B.A. in Music and Human Biology and further studied composition at the Royal Conservatory of the Netherlands in The Hague under the Japanese Government Overseas Study Programme for Artists. Tomoko’s works, many of which are community-based and site-specific, have been performed throughout Japan, as well as in different parts of Asia, Europe, North and Central Americas, and Africa.
Ledoh: Ledoh is an internationally-renowned choreographer and performance artist. Ledoh trained in Japan under Butoh Master Katsura Kan (member of the radical 70s collective BYAAKOSHA), and has since electrified audiences around the globe for over 15 years with his riveting solo and ensemble performances. Born into the Ka-Ren hilltribe, Ledoh came to America at age 11 to escape the oppression of his people by the brutal dictatorship holding power in Burma. As Artistic Director of SALT FARM, Ledoh choreographs with a raw movement vocabulary and directs the production of sets, video art, and musical scores to create a vital, visceral brand of live theater and site-specific installations that can soothe then shock within the span of a timeless moment.
Naoko Nakasone: After a successful career as a script writer and playwright, a bout of ill health prompted Naoko to discover her passion for a healthy vegetarian lifestyle and millet.* She relocated from Tokyo to Okinawa in 2009, and started a series of vegan cooking classes featuring millet. In 2011, Naoko opened a vegan restaurant Ukishima Garden in Naha, featuring locally grown produce and millet. She founded Okinawa Millet Union in 2017 to revive five kinds of millet which historically had been produced and consumed by Okinawans and Japanese alike, but has been replaced in the Japanese diet by a dependence on commercially grown white rice. She has been engaged in multiple activities to promote millet to address health and the environmental problems.
Wikipedia: Millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millet*
Wikipedia: Millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millet*
Kana Koa Weaver: Kana is a seed saver / scholar-activist based in Berkeley, California. Kana travels across Japan, Hawaii’i and US to inherit traditional wisdom on seeds and farming. She provides lectures and workshops on seed stewardship, writes and translates about seeds, farming and food movements, and provides tours. Her latest translation work: Political Dynamics of Transnational Agrarian Movements was published in Japan in 2018 (English to Japanese). Kana received MA in Agrarian and Environmental Studies from International Institute of Social Studies the Hague, Erasmus University in Netherlands. She is the mother of a 3 years old.
Moderators
Nina Bazan-Sakamoto / SF Bay Area / Dancer + Designer: Nina is a visionary environmental artist, activist, and organizer with a background in International Relations and Environmental Politics. As a mixed ethnicity woman, she feels a calling to unite people across barriers to celebrate diversity and catalyze collaboration on our environment. She expresses her passion through dance choreography and eco-fashion, and she is founder of Wiz Amulets - Symbiotic Living Jewelry made of living plants and organic materials, with the purpose to reconnect our style to nature and ancient wisdom.
Kyoko Yoshida: Kyoko Yoshida has served the performing arts field for over 30 years as a presenter, producer and consultant. She is the founding director of the U.S./Japan Cultural Trade Network (CTN), which started as a project of Arts Midwest in 2001 and became an independent nonprofit organization in San Francisco in 2007. Between 2011 and 2018, Kyoko also served as consultant to the National Performance Network’ U.S.-Japan Connection program. Prior to CTN, Kyoko was program manager at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Los Angeles. She holds an MFA in performing arts management from Brooklyn College, City University of New York. Prior to her arrival to the United States, Kyoko worked for Spiral in Tokyo for six years. She also translates theatrical scripts between Japanese and English.
This project is supported in part by the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF), California Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Saison Foundation and The Japan Foundation.
Tomoko Momiyama's New Work
"Touching the Depths of the Earth with One Note" (World Premiere) Thursday, May 23, 7:00pm Saturday, May 25, 3:30pm Sunday, May 26, 3:30pm Firehouse @ Fort Mason Center 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94123 General Admission: $25 At the door: $28 Info & Tickets: 415.399.9554 https://www.sfiaf.org/tomoko_momiyama Thank you for your support on Kickstarter! |
作曲家 樅山智子 新作公演
「一音で地球の底まで行って帰ってくる」 （世界初演） コラボレーター／共演：日景晶子（箏） 近藤愛助（ヴィジュアルアート／語り） 土居由理子（語り） 佳奈・コア・ウィーヴァ―（語り） 人や鳥、種や微生物。風、波、光や音。 それぞれの旅とストーリーが紡ぎだす 観客参加／移動型プロジェクト、世界初演！ |
Commissioned and produced by the U.S./Japan Cultural Trade Network, Inc. (CTN); presented as part of the 2019 San Francisco International Arts Festival.
Tokyo-based composer Tomoko Momiyama mediates communication between people and the environment through her music. Her works invite the audience to listen to what is not readily audible in their surroundings and re-imagine their collective memory of living on this earth. The new work is inspired by conversations with members of the Bay Area's diverse communities, including artists and specialists in seed science, migratory birds, and sea navigation. By weaving together multiple perspectives on the experiences of their respective journeys, the work explores the issues of home and diaspora identities in the Bay Area and beyond. Tomoko is deep in her creative process and asking such questions as “how do all beings, including us humans, orient and navigate ourselves on this earth and with each other?” The audience members will be invited to actively participate in the performances and become an integral part of the sound and stories composed and designed by Tomoko and her collaborators, including Koto virtuoso Shoko Hikage, visual artist Aisuke Kondo, agroecologist Kana Koa Weaver, and theater artist Yuriko Doi.
Lead Artists’ Bio
Tomoko Momiyama: Tokyo based Tomoko works internationally as a music composer, dramaturg, and producer of multi-disciplinary art events, installations, and performances. She graduated from Stanford University in the U.S. with B.A. in Music and Human Biology and further studied composition at the Royal Conservatory of the Netherlands in The Hague under the Japanese Government Overseas Study Programme for Artists. Tomoko’s works, many of which are community-based and site-specific, have been performed throughout Japan, as well as in different parts of Asia, Europe, North and Central Americas, and Africa.
Shoko Hikage: Shoko is a master koto player, teacher and prolific musical collaborator. She began studying koto at the age of three. From 1985, she received special training from the 2nd and 3rd IEMOTO Seiga Adachi (hereditary head master of the Ikuta-ryu Sokyoku Seigen Kai). After many years of training and performing in Japan and Hawaii, Shoko relocated to San Francisco in 1997 where she continues her concert and teaching activities. As well as being a soloist, Shoko is an active member of both the Wooden Fish Ensemble and Koto ensemble Lantana. She has also collaborated with musicians and artists of other genres including: Anthony Brown’s Asian America Orchestra, Kenny Endo, Judith, Hiroshi Kashiwagi, Hyo-shin Na, Tokyo Nammy, Trinth Minh-Ha, Anshin Uchida, Brenda Wong Aoki and Mark Izu among others.
Kana Koa Weaver: Kana is a seed saver/scholar-activist based in Berkeley, California. Kana travels across Japan, Hawaii’i and US to inherit traditional wisdom on seeds and farming. She provides lectures and workshops on seed stewardship, writes and translates about seeds, farming and food movements, and provides tours. Her latest translation work: Political Dynamics of Transnational Agrarian Movements was published in Japan in 2018 (English to Japanese). Kana received MA in Agrarian and Environmental Studies from International Institute of Social Studies the Hague, Erasmus University in Netherlands. She is the mother of a 3 years old.
Aisuke Kondo: Born and raised in Japan and currently based in Germany, Aisuke explores questions of belonging, identity, memory, and history across a variety of media, from collage and gallery installation to video and performance. In 2008, he completed a Meisterschüler in Fine Art at Berlin University of Arts. After his university graduation, he received a grant from the Asian Cultural Council to research on his great-grandfather who was incarcerated at Topaz concentration camp in Utah during World War Ⅱ. Currently, he is working in the Bay area on a grant from the Cultural Affairs Agency in Japan in order to conduct fieldwork as a visiting scholar in Asian American Studies at SF State. In his current “Matter and Memory” series (2017-present), Aisuke retraces his great-grandfather’s life as an immigrant in the US from his arrival in the early 1900s. He has had solo exhibitions at Gallery Turnaround in Sendai, Japan (2018), Kommunale Galerie Steglitz-Zehlendorf in Berlin (2018), MINTMOUE in Los Angeles (2017) and Kyoto Art Center in Kyoto, Japan (2016). His works are on view, along with an extensive interview with the artist, at aisukekondo.com
Yuriko Doi: Japanese-born and trained in the classical theater styles of Noh and Kyogen, Yuriko brought this heritage to the West in the 1960s, founding Theatre of Yugen in 1978. That troupe has proven to be the major beneficiary of Doi’s directorial resume’ of more than 30 productions. Her foundation in these arts began when she was a graduate student of Waseda University in Tokyo, where she studied with Kyogen master and National Living Treasure of Japan, Mansaku Nomura. She has also been influenced by the Noh practice of her aunt, Yuki Doi, and her studies with Noh principal actor Shiro Nomura. The array of productions Yuriko has directed range from classics and adaptations to original works. She has taken for her inspiration theater throughout time, from around the world, directing plays that run in style and subject matter from Japanese and Greek mythology to 20th-century American, using movements from sources as diverse as flamenco and Native American dance. Yuriko is also an experienced sailor and has traveled throughout the world by yacht with her husband. She wrote a book about the adventure in Japanese, which is currently being translated into English.
Tokyo-based composer Tomoko Momiyama mediates communication between people and the environment through her music. Her works invite the audience to listen to what is not readily audible in their surroundings and re-imagine their collective memory of living on this earth. The new work is inspired by conversations with members of the Bay Area's diverse communities, including artists and specialists in seed science, migratory birds, and sea navigation. By weaving together multiple perspectives on the experiences of their respective journeys, the work explores the issues of home and diaspora identities in the Bay Area and beyond. Tomoko is deep in her creative process and asking such questions as “how do all beings, including us humans, orient and navigate ourselves on this earth and with each other?” The audience members will be invited to actively participate in the performances and become an integral part of the sound and stories composed and designed by Tomoko and her collaborators, including Koto virtuoso Shoko Hikage, visual artist Aisuke Kondo, agroecologist Kana Koa Weaver, and theater artist Yuriko Doi.
Lead Artists’ Bio
Tomoko Momiyama: Tokyo based Tomoko works internationally as a music composer, dramaturg, and producer of multi-disciplinary art events, installations, and performances. She graduated from Stanford University in the U.S. with B.A. in Music and Human Biology and further studied composition at the Royal Conservatory of the Netherlands in The Hague under the Japanese Government Overseas Study Programme for Artists. Tomoko’s works, many of which are community-based and site-specific, have been performed throughout Japan, as well as in different parts of Asia, Europe, North and Central Americas, and Africa.
Shoko Hikage: Shoko is a master koto player, teacher and prolific musical collaborator. She began studying koto at the age of three. From 1985, she received special training from the 2nd and 3rd IEMOTO Seiga Adachi (hereditary head master of the Ikuta-ryu Sokyoku Seigen Kai). After many years of training and performing in Japan and Hawaii, Shoko relocated to San Francisco in 1997 where she continues her concert and teaching activities. As well as being a soloist, Shoko is an active member of both the Wooden Fish Ensemble and Koto ensemble Lantana. She has also collaborated with musicians and artists of other genres including: Anthony Brown’s Asian America Orchestra, Kenny Endo, Judith, Hiroshi Kashiwagi, Hyo-shin Na, Tokyo Nammy, Trinth Minh-Ha, Anshin Uchida, Brenda Wong Aoki and Mark Izu among others.
Kana Koa Weaver: Kana is a seed saver/scholar-activist based in Berkeley, California. Kana travels across Japan, Hawaii’i and US to inherit traditional wisdom on seeds and farming. She provides lectures and workshops on seed stewardship, writes and translates about seeds, farming and food movements, and provides tours. Her latest translation work: Political Dynamics of Transnational Agrarian Movements was published in Japan in 2018 (English to Japanese). Kana received MA in Agrarian and Environmental Studies from International Institute of Social Studies the Hague, Erasmus University in Netherlands. She is the mother of a 3 years old.
Aisuke Kondo: Born and raised in Japan and currently based in Germany, Aisuke explores questions of belonging, identity, memory, and history across a variety of media, from collage and gallery installation to video and performance. In 2008, he completed a Meisterschüler in Fine Art at Berlin University of Arts. After his university graduation, he received a grant from the Asian Cultural Council to research on his great-grandfather who was incarcerated at Topaz concentration camp in Utah during World War Ⅱ. Currently, he is working in the Bay area on a grant from the Cultural Affairs Agency in Japan in order to conduct fieldwork as a visiting scholar in Asian American Studies at SF State. In his current “Matter and Memory” series (2017-present), Aisuke retraces his great-grandfather’s life as an immigrant in the US from his arrival in the early 1900s. He has had solo exhibitions at Gallery Turnaround in Sendai, Japan (2018), Kommunale Galerie Steglitz-Zehlendorf in Berlin (2018), MINTMOUE in Los Angeles (2017) and Kyoto Art Center in Kyoto, Japan (2016). His works are on view, along with an extensive interview with the artist, at aisukekondo.com
Yuriko Doi: Japanese-born and trained in the classical theater styles of Noh and Kyogen, Yuriko brought this heritage to the West in the 1960s, founding Theatre of Yugen in 1978. That troupe has proven to be the major beneficiary of Doi’s directorial resume’ of more than 30 productions. Her foundation in these arts began when she was a graduate student of Waseda University in Tokyo, where she studied with Kyogen master and National Living Treasure of Japan, Mansaku Nomura. She has also been influenced by the Noh practice of her aunt, Yuki Doi, and her studies with Noh principal actor Shiro Nomura. The array of productions Yuriko has directed range from classics and adaptations to original works. She has taken for her inspiration theater throughout time, from around the world, directing plays that run in style and subject matter from Japanese and Greek mythology to 20th-century American, using movements from sources as diverse as flamenco and Native American dance. Yuriko is also an experienced sailor and has traveled throughout the world by yacht with her husband. She wrote a book about the adventure in Japanese, which is currently being translated into English.
This project is supported in part by the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF), California Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Saison Foundation and The Japan Foundation.
2018
Yohei Miyake in Coversation
Thursday, May 24, 8PM
Gallery 308 @ Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94123
Yohei Miyake is a musician who ran for office in Japan’s congressional elections in 2013 and 2016. He named his political campaign the Election Festival and sang his progressive platform whilst playing the guitar. He drew tens of thousands of people to his public speeches and was dubbed “the Japanese Bob Marley with a Bernie Sanders ideology.” Yohei is currently engaged in the environmental movement and practices sustainable living. He will share his thoughts on the intersection of politics, music and beyond. Organized by the U.S./Japan Cultural Trade Network, and supported by AEDAN FERMENTED FOODS. Admission Free with purchase of AEDAN Bento Box @$20!
三宅洋平イン・カンバセーションは、ソロ・ライヴ形式で、三宅洋平氏が語り、弾き、歌うイベント。「選挙フェス」で何万人もの聴衆を集め、若者を中心に大きな支持を得て社会現象を引き起こした彼の魂の言葉は、消費／資本主義の枠を超えた新たな世界と価値観を提示します。「バーニー・サンダースのイデオロギーをもつ日本のボブ・マーリー」と称えらる三宅氏の「今、ここ」に会える絶好の機会です！
共催：U.S./Japan Cultural Trade Network; サンフランシスコ国際芸術祭
協力：AEDAN Fermented Foods: aedansf.com/
チケット：$20 (AEDANのお弁当込み)
Thursday, May 24, 8PM
Gallery 308 @ Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94123
Yohei Miyake is a musician who ran for office in Japan’s congressional elections in 2013 and 2016. He named his political campaign the Election Festival and sang his progressive platform whilst playing the guitar. He drew tens of thousands of people to his public speeches and was dubbed “the Japanese Bob Marley with a Bernie Sanders ideology.” Yohei is currently engaged in the environmental movement and practices sustainable living. He will share his thoughts on the intersection of politics, music and beyond. Organized by the U.S./Japan Cultural Trade Network, and supported by AEDAN FERMENTED FOODS. Admission Free with purchase of AEDAN Bento Box @$20!
三宅洋平イン・カンバセーションは、ソロ・ライヴ形式で、三宅洋平氏が語り、弾き、歌うイベント。「選挙フェス」で何万人もの聴衆を集め、若者を中心に大きな支持を得て社会現象を引き起こした彼の魂の言葉は、消費／資本主義の枠を超えた新たな世界と価値観を提示します。「バーニー・サンダースのイデオロギーをもつ日本のボブ・マーリー」と称えらる三宅氏の「今、ここ」に会える絶好の機会です！
共催：U.S./Japan Cultural Trade Network; サンフランシスコ国際芸術祭
協力：AEDAN Fermented Foods: aedansf.com/
チケット：$20 (AEDANのお弁当込み)
Baobab & STEAMROLLER Dance Company – A Dance Double Bill
Friday, June 1, 9:30PM
Saturday, June 2, 5PM
Sunday, June 3, 4PM
70 minutes with intermission
Firehouse at Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco
Tickets: $25 General Admission
本年2月の横浜ダンス・コレクションでベストダンサーに選ばれた北尾亘が率いるダンスカンパニー「バオバブ」初の海外公演。北尾を含む4人のダンサーが、クラシックからモダン、ジャズ、ストリートダンスまで融合し、圧倒的なエネルギーで観客を魅了します。地元のSteamroller Dance Companyとのダブルビル。
Baobab (Tokyo)
Laughing Frame (2012, US Premiere)
Merging diverse expressions of classic, modern, jazz, street and ritual dance - including krumping and haka, Baobab dancers burst with energy “to get out of the frame, laughing, talking, singing and crying” for liberation. Director/lead dancer, Wataru Kitao, won the best dancer’s award at the prestigious Yokohama Dance Collection Competition in February 2018.
"Baobab Dance Scrum"
Friday, June 1, 2:00pm Master Class
Lines Dance Center -26 7th Street, 5th Fl., San Francisco
STEAMROLLER Dance Company (San Francisco)
Loserville (World Premiere)
Loserville is a queering of The Breakfast Club, one of film director John Hughes’ seminal films. Scenes from the Club are embodied by the performers who play with gender and race using timing and comedic physicality to challenge the heteronormative terrain of this cinematic genre.
Friday, June 1, 9:30PM
Saturday, June 2, 5PM
Sunday, June 3, 4PM
70 minutes with intermission
Firehouse at Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco
Tickets: $25 General Admission
本年2月の横浜ダンス・コレクションでベストダンサーに選ばれた北尾亘が率いるダンスカンパニー「バオバブ」初の海外公演。北尾を含む4人のダンサーが、クラシックからモダン、ジャズ、ストリートダンスまで融合し、圧倒的なエネルギーで観客を魅了します。地元のSteamroller Dance Companyとのダブルビル。
Baobab (Tokyo)
Laughing Frame (2012, US Premiere)
Merging diverse expressions of classic, modern, jazz, street and ritual dance - including krumping and haka, Baobab dancers burst with energy “to get out of the frame, laughing, talking, singing and crying” for liberation. Director/lead dancer, Wataru Kitao, won the best dancer’s award at the prestigious Yokohama Dance Collection Competition in February 2018.
"Baobab Dance Scrum"
Friday, June 1, 2:00pm Master Class
Lines Dance Center -26 7th Street, 5th Fl., San Francisco
STEAMROLLER Dance Company (San Francisco)
Loserville (World Premiere)
Loserville is a queering of The Breakfast Club, one of film director John Hughes’ seminal films. Scenes from the Club are embodied by the performers who play with gender and race using timing and comedic physicality to challenge the heteronormative terrain of this cinematic genre.
2017
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The Fermentation Symposium
Saturday, December 30, 4pm Sunday, December 31, 2pm @ Theatre of Yugen's NOHSpace 2840 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 Info & tickets: 415-621-0507 http://www.theatreofyugen.org/fermentation |
The Fermentation Lab: Tasting & Performance
Saturday, September 16, 7PM @ Theatre of Yugen's NOHSpace 2840 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 http://www.theatreofyugen.org/the-fermentation-lab/ |
The Fermentation Lab Symposium, the culmination of the year-long Fermentation Lab features the performances by inkBoat, Sharp & Fine, and Theatre of Yugen. The music, dance, and theatrical talents are matched and merged with six-course tasting menu, inspired by Osechi (traditional Japanese New Year’s food) and crafted by AEDAN Fermented Foods' Chef Eri Shimizu. With special appearance of AEDAN’s Founder/Chef and Voice/Performance Artist, Mariko Grady, the evening brings transformative process of fermentation live onstage!
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Highly trained in classical ballet, Izumi B Fujii, Yukio Miyahara and Mikiko Shinohara channel their full creativity ‘to survive and thrive in the contemporary world.’ Mixing fantasies with realities, their signature work "Sell Our Body" evokes the emotions of the audience comically, seriously, dreamily, and wholly. Presented as part of San Francisco International Arts Festival's A Pirouette with Asia 2017 Program 2*; Dboule-Bill with Victor Fung Dance (Hong Kong).
クラシックバレエで鍛えた技と身体、時代を生き抜く想像力に満ちた表現で多くのファンを魅了する素我螺部（スカラベ）は、金森穣率いる「ノイズム」で活躍していた藤井b泉＋宮原由紀夫＋篠原未起子が2014年に大阪で結成したダンスユニット。上演作品 SELL OUR BODYは、笑いあり、涙あり、リアルとファンタジーを織り交ぜて、観る人の💛を直撃します！
＊韓国のJJBro、香港のVictor Fung Dance同時上演。
チケット：＄２５（一般）＄２１（学生＆シニア）前売4ドル割引コード：sfsanctuarycity
主催：サンフランシスコ国際芸術祭、日米カルチュラルトレードネットワーク（CTN）、Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
*A Pirouette with Asia 2017 is presented by SFIAF, U.S./Japan Cultural Trade Network, Korean Cultural Center of San Francisco and Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture; and supported in part by the China International Culture Association, Arts Council Korea, Hong Kong Arts Department Council, the Western States Arts Federation, California Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
クラシックバレエで鍛えた技と身体、時代を生き抜く想像力に満ちた表現で多くのファンを魅了する素我螺部（スカラベ）は、金森穣率いる「ノイズム」で活躍していた藤井b泉＋宮原由紀夫＋篠原未起子が2014年に大阪で結成したダンスユニット。上演作品 SELL OUR BODYは、笑いあり、涙あり、リアルとファンタジーを織り交ぜて、観る人の💛を直撃します！
＊韓国のJJBro、香港のVictor Fung Dance同時上演。
チケット：＄２５（一般）＄２１（学生＆シニア）前売4ドル割引コード：sfsanctuarycity
主催：サンフランシスコ国際芸術祭、日米カルチュラルトレードネットワーク（CTN）、Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
*A Pirouette with Asia 2017 is presented by SFIAF, U.S./Japan Cultural Trade Network, Korean Cultural Center of San Francisco and Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture; and supported in part by the China International Culture Association, Arts Council Korea, Hong Kong Arts Department Council, the Western States Arts Federation, California Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Hengenjizai Koto Concert
Featuring two Koto virtuosos from Japan: Soju Nosaka & Kazue Sawai
May 10 - 13, 2017
http://www.matsuhidecompany.com/MatsuHide/Hengenjizai.html
Featuring two Koto virtuosos from Japan: Soju Nosaka & Kazue Sawai
May 10 - 13, 2017
http://www.matsuhidecompany.com/MatsuHide/Hengenjizai.html
2016
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Hiroshi Koike Bridge Project The Restaurant of Many Orders Thursday, May 19, 8PM Friday, May 20, 9:30PM Cowell Theater @ Fort Mason Center 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco Tickets: $20 Advance, $25 Door Students & Seniors $3 Off Children under 12: $12 Handling charges ($1.50-$2.50/ticket) apply アッという間に 時間も国も飛び越える！ 大人も子供も楽しめる ダンスシアター 宮沢賢治原作 小池博史演出 「注文の多い料理店」 |
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Based on Kenji Miyazawa’s story for children and directed by Hiroshi Koike, “The Restaurant of Many Orders” is an accessible yet profound dance theater piece.
The three performers execute with dexterity unique and superb movements rooted in traditional and contemporary Japanese and other Asian physical expressions. Often comedic, sometimes serious, they represent the elements of, and relationship between humans, animals and nature, alternating between the three hunters and the forest animals.
Koike addresses the necessity to re-think the relationship between the power of nature and the technological achievements of humankind in the post 3.11 context. He comments, “There is no real way of stopping earthquakes and tsunami. But what about the disaster caused by the nuclear power plants? Wasn’t that caused by human arrogance?”
Recording of the original music included Yumi Kimura, featured in Hayao Miyazaki’s film, “Spirited Away”; soothing piano tunes by Toshio Nakagawa; and Shakuhachi by Akikazu Nakamura. The nonverbal theatrical journey has been enjoyed by children and adults alike and gained great acclaim touring to 17 venues in Japan and 6 cities in Asia!
The three performers execute with dexterity unique and superb movements rooted in traditional and contemporary Japanese and other Asian physical expressions. Often comedic, sometimes serious, they represent the elements of, and relationship between humans, animals and nature, alternating between the three hunters and the forest animals.
Koike addresses the necessity to re-think the relationship between the power of nature and the technological achievements of humankind in the post 3.11 context. He comments, “There is no real way of stopping earthquakes and tsunami. But what about the disaster caused by the nuclear power plants? Wasn’t that caused by human arrogance?”
Recording of the original music included Yumi Kimura, featured in Hayao Miyazaki’s film, “Spirited Away”; soothing piano tunes by Toshio Nakagawa; and Shakuhachi by Akikazu Nakamura. The nonverbal theatrical journey has been enjoyed by children and adults alike and gained great acclaim touring to 17 venues in Japan and 6 cities in Asia!
This presentation is supported in part by the Western State Arts Federation, California Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, THE TOKYO CLUB and the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco.
Special Thanks to Yuriko Doi, Jock Walker and Theatre of Yugen; Larry Reed and Shadowlight Productions; Mariko Grady and AEDAN FERMENTED FOODS; Mima's Catering, and N.A. Sales for their support.
Presented as part of San Francisco International Arts Festival (SFIAF) 2016.
SFIAF 2016 is presented by Fort Mason for Arts & Culture and the Eyes and Ears Foundation.
Special Thanks to Yuriko Doi, Jock Walker and Theatre of Yugen; Larry Reed and Shadowlight Productions; Mariko Grady and AEDAN FERMENTED FOODS; Mima's Catering, and N.A. Sales for their support.
Presented as part of San Francisco International Arts Festival (SFIAF) 2016.
SFIAF 2016 is presented by Fort Mason for Arts & Culture and the Eyes and Ears Foundation.
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2014
U.S./Japan Cultural Trade Network (CTN) & San Francisco International Arts Festival (SFIAF)
in association with San Francisco State University present:
Eitetsu Hayashi & EITETSU FU-UN no KAI Ensemble
“Art of Wadaiko – The Heartbeat of Japan”
with Special Guests Dee Spencer on Piano & Musicians from SF School of The Arts
林英哲＆英哲風雲の会サンフランシスコ公演
in association with San Francisco State University present:
Eitetsu Hayashi & EITETSU FU-UN no KAI Ensemble
“Art of Wadaiko – The Heartbeat of Japan”
with Special Guests Dee Spencer on Piano & Musicians from SF School of The Arts
林英哲＆英哲風雲の会サンフランシスコ公演
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Saturday, November 1, 8PM Sunday, November 2, 3PM @ McKenna Theatre, San Francisco State University 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132 Reserved Seating: $27 - $45 Full-time Students & Seniors: $5 Discount |
The engagement in San Francisco is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Art Works. Additional support is provided by the Western State Arts Federation, California Arts Council and the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco. The 2014 U.S. tour of Eitetsu Hayashi and Fu-un no Kai is supported by The Japan Foundation and Arts Council Tokyo.
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Internationally recognized and highly respected as a pioneering performer, composer, and teacher, Eitetsu Hayashi has toured extensively around the world to share the art of Wadaiko (Japanese taiko drums), which epitomizes the essence of beauty and discipline of Japanese culture.
Having made his solo U.S. debut with the American Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in 1984 as the first-ever solo taiko performer, Eitetsu has played with major orchestras including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic, as well as with world renowned artists including Yosuke Yamashita, Sadao Watanabe, Kim Duk-Soo, and Mamady Keita to name just a few. To celebrate the master artist’s first appearance as a soloist with his superb ensemble, Taiko drums crafted by the Asano family (a tradition over 400 years old) are shipped from Japan for the concert. Eitetsu will also be joined on-stage by Bay Area special guests: pianist Dee Spencer and San Francisco School of the Arts classical music students. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the legendary taiko master’s signature O-daiko (Giant Taiko) solo and his superb ensemble works with EITETSU FU-UN no Kai members! |
2013
MYSTICAL ABYSS
Presented by Theatre of Yugen, CTN and San Francisco International Arts Festival as part of SFIAF’s 10th Anniversary Season
A Multicultural Fusion Production inspired by Japanese and Iroquois Creation Myths
Fusing Japanese Noh theatre, CG Animation Art, and Native and Aboriginal dance and music of the Americas
Thursday, September 27, 7PM (Opening Night)
Friday, September 28, 7PM
Saturday, September 29, 3PM & 7PM
Sunday, September 30, 2PM
ODC Theater
3153 17th Street, San Francisco
TICKETS: $22-$45
Written by John O’Keefe; Directed by Yuriko Doi
Choreography by Jesus Jacoh Cortes
and Japanese Intangible Cultural Asset Shiro Nomura
With Madeline Alefosio, Janelle Ayon, Sheila Berotti, Jesus Jacoh Cortes, Jubilith Moore, Cuauhtemoc Peranda, Kenny Perkins, and Lluis Valls from U.S.A., the Noh Music and Dance Ensemble: Masashi Nomura, Narumi Takizawa, and Yoshio Ueno from Japan.
Mystical Abyss is an original multi-disciplinary theatre work inspired by the creation myths associated with the Japanese Goddesses Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess) and Izanami (Goddess of Creation and Death) and the Iroquois Sky Woman. Fusing Native American storytelling, dance and music, centuries-old traditional Japanese Noh theatre and contemporary Japanese animation art, Mystical Abyss evokes powerful images of unity and harmony across different generations, cultures and traditions with the cyclical story of death and re-birth.
One of the collaborating artists from Japan is Taketo Kobayashi, who will be creating an original Computer Graphics art for the theatrical production. To see his sample works:
From “Matsuri”: http://vimeo.com/25144961; From “Mishakuji”:http://vimeo.com/25161855;
Presented by Theatre of Yugen, CTN and San Francisco International Arts Festival as part of SFIAF’s 10th Anniversary Season
A Multicultural Fusion Production inspired by Japanese and Iroquois Creation Myths
Fusing Japanese Noh theatre, CG Animation Art, and Native and Aboriginal dance and music of the Americas
Thursday, September 27, 7PM (Opening Night)
Friday, September 28, 7PM
Saturday, September 29, 3PM & 7PM
Sunday, September 30, 2PM
ODC Theater
3153 17th Street, San Francisco
TICKETS: $22-$45
Written by John O’Keefe; Directed by Yuriko Doi
Choreography by Jesus Jacoh Cortes
and Japanese Intangible Cultural Asset Shiro Nomura
With Madeline Alefosio, Janelle Ayon, Sheila Berotti, Jesus Jacoh Cortes, Jubilith Moore, Cuauhtemoc Peranda, Kenny Perkins, and Lluis Valls from U.S.A., the Noh Music and Dance Ensemble: Masashi Nomura, Narumi Takizawa, and Yoshio Ueno from Japan.
Mystical Abyss is an original multi-disciplinary theatre work inspired by the creation myths associated with the Japanese Goddesses Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess) and Izanami (Goddess of Creation and Death) and the Iroquois Sky Woman. Fusing Native American storytelling, dance and music, centuries-old traditional Japanese Noh theatre and contemporary Japanese animation art, Mystical Abyss evokes powerful images of unity and harmony across different generations, cultures and traditions with the cyclical story of death and re-birth.
One of the collaborating artists from Japan is Taketo Kobayashi, who will be creating an original Computer Graphics art for the theatrical production. To see his sample works:
From “Matsuri”: http://vimeo.com/25144961; From “Mishakuji”:http://vimeo.com/25161855;
2012
Mansaku-no Kai at the Ninth Annual San Francisco International Arts Festival
Presented by CTN, SFIAF and Union Bank
Thursday, May 10th, 7PM – 8:40PM
Friday, May 11th, 7PM – 8:40PM
Marines’ Memorial Theatre
@ 609 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA
TICKETS: $12-$50
Thursday, May 10th, 7PM – 8:40PM
Friday, May 11th, 7PM – 8:40PM
Marines’ Memorial Theatre
@ 609 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA
TICKETS: $12-$50
One of Japan’s most celebrated Kyogen companies, Mansaku-no Kai, returns to San Francisco, to perform as part of the ninth annual San Francisco International Arts Festival. The performances will take place at the Marines’ Memorial Theater on May 10th and May 11th at 7:00pm. Led by Japanese Living National Treasure, Mansaku Nomura, Mansaku-no Kai is known for its captivating interpretations of classical comedy theater. The performance will be the company’s first appearance in San Francisco since Nomura’s son Mansai starred in A Kyogen of Errors based on Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors in 2005 at SFIAF.
The company will perform three classical Kyogen pieces, "Suminuri" (Black Crocodile Tears), "Tsuki-mi Zato" (The Moon-Viewing Blind-man) and “Kubihiki (Neck Pulling).” The performances will take place on a traditional wooden floor called a shosadai that will be shipped in from Tokyo to honor the aesthetics of the 600 year-old theatrical tradition. The only other US performances of this program will be at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. following the San Francisco engagement.
Kyogen is one of four forms of traditional Japanese theater, the other three being Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku, and is recognized and designated as one of 19 "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 2001. With stylized movement and dance, Kyogen delightfully satirizes human imperfections and provides glimpses into the sounds, style and culture of medieval Japan. The Nomura family has been contributing to the art form for generations spanning nearly 300 years.
It is said that Kyogen actors start to truly shine after the age of 60 albeit the fact that traditionally they make their stage debuts at the tender age of three. At 80, Mansaku’s art has reached a pinnacle that only a life-time of dedication by a true genius of the form can achieve over the course of several decades. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Mansaku with his company on stage outside of Japan!
The company will perform three classical Kyogen pieces, "Suminuri" (Black Crocodile Tears), "Tsuki-mi Zato" (The Moon-Viewing Blind-man) and “Kubihiki (Neck Pulling).” The performances will take place on a traditional wooden floor called a shosadai that will be shipped in from Tokyo to honor the aesthetics of the 600 year-old theatrical tradition. The only other US performances of this program will be at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. following the San Francisco engagement.
Kyogen is one of four forms of traditional Japanese theater, the other three being Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku, and is recognized and designated as one of 19 "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 2001. With stylized movement and dance, Kyogen delightfully satirizes human imperfections and provides glimpses into the sounds, style and culture of medieval Japan. The Nomura family has been contributing to the art form for generations spanning nearly 300 years.
It is said that Kyogen actors start to truly shine after the age of 60 albeit the fact that traditionally they make their stage debuts at the tender age of three. At 80, Mansaku’s art has reached a pinnacle that only a life-time of dedication by a true genius of the form can achieve over the course of several decades. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Mansaku with his company on stage outside of Japan!
Mansaku-no Kai at SFIAF is presented by SFIAF, CTN and Union Bank.
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Media &PR support is provided by Theatre of Yugen, Asian Art Museum, Japan Society of Northern California, San Francisco State University, San Francisco Tomonkai and the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco.
inkBoat, CTN and SFIAF present:
The Crazy Cloud Collection (Encore)
at the Ninth Annual San Francisco International Arts Festival
The Crazy Cloud Collection (Encore)
at the Ninth Annual San Francisco International Arts Festival
2011
Hiromitsu Agatsuma Shimasen x Jazz Concert
Hiromitsu Agatsuma, a leading force in Japan's Hogaku (traditional music) boom, returns to the Bay Area by popular demand. Agatsuma infuses traditional Japanese sounds with contemporary musical influences of blues, rock, dance music, folk, flamenco and funk. The result is a truly unique World Music & Jazz phenomena as he breaks original ground with his fresh approach and gives new life to the traditional art form.
Hiromitsu Agatsuma on Tsugaru Shamisen
with Yoichi Nozaki on Piano
Monday, Apirl 18, 8PM
Yoshi's San Francisco @ 1330 Fillmore Street
Tickets: $17 - $25
Presented by U.S. / Japan Cultural Trade Network & Yoshi's San Francisco
Agatsuma Ensemble (Japan)
Wednesday, May 19, 8PM (2009)
Cowell Theatre, Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center
Part of the San Francisco International Arts Festival
$25 Reserved Seating, $20 in advance. Series Discounts Available.
Presented by U.S. / Japan Cultural Trade Network & SFIAF
SFIAF 2010 gets under way with a world class music concert by Toshiba EMI and Domo recording artist Hiromitsu Agatsuma. The show is the only west-coast performance of his 2010 U.S. tour. Agatsuma plays the Tsugaru Shamisen, a larger shamisen with thicker strings than those used for most other styles.
ARTIST INFORMATION
Hiromitsu Agatsuma on Tsugaru Shamisen
with Yoichi Nozaki on Piano
Monday, Apirl 18, 8PM
Yoshi's San Francisco @ 1330 Fillmore Street
Tickets: $17 - $25
Presented by U.S. / Japan Cultural Trade Network & Yoshi's San Francisco
Agatsuma Ensemble (Japan)
Wednesday, May 19, 8PM (2009)
Cowell Theatre, Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center
Part of the San Francisco International Arts Festival
$25 Reserved Seating, $20 in advance. Series Discounts Available.
Presented by U.S. / Japan Cultural Trade Network & SFIAF
SFIAF 2010 gets under way with a world class music concert by Toshiba EMI and Domo recording artist Hiromitsu Agatsuma. The show is the only west-coast performance of his 2010 U.S. tour. Agatsuma plays the Tsugaru Shamisen, a larger shamisen with thicker strings than those used for most other styles.
ARTIST INFORMATION
Yubiwa Hotel Performing Arts Company in
Mesujika DOE Work-in Progress Showing
Created collaboratively by Shirotama Hitsujiya and Trista Baldwin
July 8th & 10th
NOHSpace, Theatre of Eugene
@ 2840 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Mesujika DOE Work-in Progress Showing
Created collaboratively by Shirotama Hitsujiya and Trista Baldwin
July 8th & 10th
NOHSpace, Theatre of Eugene
@ 2840 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
2010
inkBoat with Ko Murobushi (Japan & U.S.A.)
The Crazy Cloud Collection (World Premiere)
Thursday-Saturday, May 27-29, 8PM
Sunday, May 30, 5PM
Z Space @ Theater Artaud
450 Florida Street, San Francisco
$25 Reserved Seating, $20 in advance
Series Discounts Available
Part of the San Francisco International Arts Festival
Presented by inkBoat, U.S. / Japan Cultural Trade Network & SFIAF
Crazy Cloud is a collision. The life of 15th century Buddhist monk and poet Ikkyu Sojun meets modern humanity, and questions arise that provoke and prod the order of our lives. Crazy Cloud Collection is choreographed by Ko Murobushi, recognized in Japan as a leading inheritor of Hijikata's original vision of Butoh, and Shinichi Iova-Koga, a younger generation artist who has created a hybrid form of performance integrating Butoh dance, physical theater and music. Together, these artists search for the ghost of Ikkyu.