Continuing with its 2014-15 Performing Arts Series and Stories from the War series that marks the 70th Anniversary of the end of WWII, Japan Society is pleased to offer two theater presentations from Japan.

The first is Michiko Godai’s powerful one-woman play Yokohama Rosa (April 25-26) which portrays the life of one woman tossed and turned by war and offers a unique look into post-war history. The second is a Noh Theater performance (May 14-16) offering works from the new and traditional repertoire.

1. Michiko Godai, Yokohama Rosa

Travel through time with legendary actress Michiko Godai in Yokohama Rosa, an intimate portrait of a woman whose life was forever changed by WWII. In this original one-woman tragicomedy inspired by a mysterious old woman frequently sighted on the streets of Yokohama and known by locals as “Merii-san,” Godai transforms on stage from a vulnerable young woman to a confident streetwalker, a love-sick middle-aged woman and finally, a frail but compassionate homeless lady. Performed annually in Yokohama on the anniversary of the end of WWII in Japan, Godai’s captivating piece reveals the war’s deep and lasting consequences on the most personal level. Performed in Japanese with English subtitles.

Tickets: $35/$28 Japan Society members

Times: Saturday, April 25, 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 26, 2:30 PM

Details

2. New and Traditional Noh: Holy Mother in Nagasaki & Kiyotsune

Explore Japan’s time-honored noh theater in a rare double bill that offers plays from the modern and traditional repertories. The evening features the poignant new play Holy Mother in Nagasaki, in which a pilgrim learns about the legend of a woman, surmised to have been the Virgin Mary, who appeared to console the victims of the atomic bomb. Kiyotsune, one of Zeami’s (1363?-1443?) masterpieces, is offered as a companion piece. This centuries-old noh play tells the story of  a grieving widow who meets her warrior husband in a dream to learn of his final battle. Performed in Japanese with English subtitles.

Led by noh actor Kanji Shimizu; Featuring members of the Church of St. Francis Xavier Choir, New York; Presented in assistance with Tessen-kai Noh Theater Association.

At 6:30 pm each night there will be a Pre-Performance Lecture led by Dr. Tom Hare, Professor of Comparative Literature at Princeton University. Free and open to ticket holders only.

Tickets: $62/$52 Japan Society members

Times: Thursday, May 14, 7:30 PM
Friday, May 15, 7:30 PM
Saturday, May 16, 7:30 PM

Details

J-COLLABO is presenting its first Spring Festival on Saturday April 18th with an exciting variety of workshops and performances including Shakyo Meditative Writing, Origami,contemporary dance, collaborative art and RAKUGO, Japanese traditional sit-down comedy and more.

These workshops and multidisciplinary art showcases have been curated by J-COLLABO to demonstrate the beauty and versatility of contemporary Japanese art and performance.

Guests will enjoy collaborative art performances by Yukari Osaka (Dance), Jun Ando (Koto), Misaki Matsui (Video/Film); Yuka Omori and Humberto Texiera (Contemporary Dance); CHIELA (Song) and Toma (Dance); Japanese RAKUGO performance by Sansyo Nakamura from Japan. Rakugo is a Japanese storytelling art that has been a form of entertainment for over 400 years and has recently experienced a comeback with Rakugo venues increasing across Japan. While performing, a Rakugo artist wears a kimono, sits on a small cushion, and uses only two small props – a Japanese fan and a hand towel – which can be used to imitate various acts such as smoking, eating noodles, and preparing a letter. The Rakugo artist will play any number of characters in a given story, for example a samurai, geisha, merchant, or drunk. These characters can be said to represent qualities within all of us, parts of the human personality.
Also event partner, Saiko Project/Live Music Showcase will present Kaoru Watanabe (Taiko Drums and Bamboo Flutes).

With such a vibrant and diverse selection of contemporary Japanese artists, the J-COLLABO Spring Festival promises to be an entertaining and culturally enlightening experience for everyone.

EVENT INFORMATION

Date: Saturday, April 18th

Time: 1:00pm-8:00pm

Location: 300-302 7th street (between 4th and 5th avenues), Brooklyn, NY 11215

Suggested donation: $20

Website / Official Facebook Page
Click through for detailed schedule.
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Next Thursday, the Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture at Columbia University will host a talk about Hayao Miyazaki‘s final film, The Wind Rises (2013). Susan Napier, Professor of Japanese Studies at Tufts University, will conduct the lecture.

Hayao Miyazaki, arguably the world’s greatest living animator, announced his retirement the same year that he released his final film, The Wind Rises in 2013. The film, while carrying on many Miyazaki traditions such as a compelling narrative, well-rounded characters, and stunning imagery, also departs from these traditions in important ways. The Wind Rises is a realistic historical narrative, rather than a fantasy; the film is set in 1930’s Japan, and traces the development of Japan’s greatest war plane, the Mitsubishi Zero. With its themes of war, technology and evanescence, The Wind Rises was controversial at its release, and left many critics uncertain of Miyazaki’s final filmic message. This lecture will explore the complex legacy Myazaki has left us in The Wind Rises and the controversies that still persist.

Time: Thursday 9 April, 6:00 PM
Location: 403 Kent Hall, Columbia University
No registration required
Details

Japan Society in New York will host the following lectures in the next week:

1. Kawaii Meets Art and Fashion: An Evening with Sebastian Masuda
(details here)

2. Shigeru Ban’s Goal: A Balancing Act of Architecture and Social Contribution

In 2014, architect Shigeru Ban was awarded the Pritzker Prize for his commitment to humanitarian causes through his disaster relief efforts and his innovative works. An innovator in sustainable and environmentally-friendly architecture, Ban’s designs often use locally available materials such as recyclable cardboard paper tubes for columns, walls and beams. These materials are inexpensive and easy to transport, mount and dismantle; and they can also be water- and fire-proofed, and recycled. Ban believes that his Japanese upbringing helps account for his wish to waste no materials. In this lecture, Ban will explore how he balances his artful works with the needs of local communities. This program is moderated by Rick Bell, Executive Director of the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Followed by a reception.

Time: Saturday, March 28, 12 PM
Tickets: $12/$8 Japan Society members, students & seniors.