The theme for the 20th year of Salon Series in 2018 is Traditional Performing Arts for Future Generation. In Salon Series No. 62, we will explore the question of why Japanese traditional arts continue to be honored and incorporated by contemporary artists.
Japanese traditional arts have shown their influence on Western arts since the turn of the 20th century, beginning with Japan’s move to open its doors to the West in the 19th century. In this program, we will focus on Japanese influence on Western dance and theater.
Our guest artists for this program are Yoko Shioya, Artistic Director at Japan Society, and Annie-B Parson, Artistic Director of Big Dance Theater, an award-winning contemporary theater and dance company.
Yoko Shioya will open with a general overview and commentary on the current and future impacts of Japanese traditional arts on contemporary creative works.
Sachiyo Ito will then follow with a demonstration on traditional Noh, Kabuki, and Okinawan dance and theater techniques. The demonstration will then conclude with a dance performance of an Okinawan court dance, Yotsudake Odori, and a newly created work inspired by Okinawan tradition, performed by members of Sachiyo Ito’s Dancejapan ensemble.
After the performance, Annie-B Parson will present a video excerpt of Big Dance Theater’s work entitled "The Other Here" that incorporated Yotsudake Odori. This work, which was commissioned by and premiered at Japan Society in 2007, is based on stories of well-known contemporary Japanese novelist Ibuse Masuji, whom Ms. Shioya recommended to Big Dance Theater as a source of inspiration. Ms. Parson and Ms. Shioya will then discuss the importance of collaboration and offer their insights on the contemporary creative process as inspired and supported by centuries-old Japanese traditions. After the discussion, we will open the floor to questions.
Minglanilla Guest Artists: Annie-B Parson, Artistic Director of Big Dance Theater, and Yoko Shioya, Artistic Director of Japan Society
http://neilfeather.com/wp-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=http://neilfeather.com/2-columns-boxed/ Dancers: Yuu Fujita, Mihane Sahara, Sachiyo Ito
Admission: $20 (General), $15 (Student and Senior)
Information: sachiyoitoandcompany@gmail.com or Tel: 212-627-0265
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