Fall 2007 - Turning Japanese

As the second half of its centennial celebration, Japan Society explores the wide range and depth to which Japanese culture has influenced the performing arts in the U.S. From illustrious legends to emerging talent on the cutting edge, this season celebrates the variety of American artists who have been captivated and inspired by Japan and its culture.


September

Basil Twist: Dogugaeshi

© Basil Twist.

Renowned puppet artist Twist unfolds a journey of images through ancient and modern Japan in this production, originally commissioned by and premiered at Japan Society. Featuring live original shamisen music by Yumiko Tanaka.


October

Kazuo Ohno 101: 3-Week Butoh Parade

© Junichi Matsuda.

Kochuten + Akaji Maro

Two different and theatrically explosive U.S. premieres, the all-male Tiger’s Cave: Butoh Boot Camp and the all-female Yupiters, from Kochuten.



© Jaroslow Brzezinski.

Eiko & Koma: Mourning

Eiko & Koma, with Margaret Leng Tan on grand and toy piano, create the inimitable, butoh-inspired world premiere of Mourning in celebration of Japan Society’s centennial.



© Bill Irwin.

Akira Kasai: Butoh America

Kasai collaborates with five emerging U.S.-based performers for the world premiere and Japan Society commissioned Butoh America.



Juan Merchan © Seiji Nakane.

U.S. Butoh Marathon curated by CAVE

CAVE, the organizer of the 3rd New York Butoh Festival, curates this marathon sampling of U.S.-based butoh-influenced performers.



© Lucia Baldini.

Yoshito Ohno: Emptiness

Kazuo Ohno’s son performs his moving solo work, Emptiness (Kuu).



Photo courtesy of the artist.

Kazuo Ohno 101 Birthday Party

The Butoh Parade culminates on Kazuo Ohno’s actual 101st birthday with a celebration, special performances and birthday cake for all.


December

Harry Partch: Delusion of the Fury

© Chris Woetmann.

Japan Society commissions and produces the unprecedented re-staging of Partch’s 1969 large-scale experimental opera with Partch’s original instrument creations.


January 2008

Contemporary Dance Showcase Phase 2: Japan + East Asia

Sun Shier © Sandy Ou-Yang.

The annual showcase broadens its focus to include cutting-edge dance from Korea and Taiwan, as well as Japan. Featuring Makotocluv, Kingyo, Yun Myung Fee, UBIN Dance and Sun-Shier Dance Theatre.