One of Japan's richest traditions...
One of the world's greatest theatrical experiences.
The Grand Kabuki's Chikamatsu-za Troupe, based in Osaka, specializes in the refined kamigata style of Kabuki. The troupe is named for Japan's greatest classical playwright and will present one of the greatest living Kabuki actors in Sonezaki Shinju, one of Chikamatsu Monzaemon's masterpieces.
This is the first full-scale company of the Grand Kabuki to tour the United States in several years. The troupe is led by Living National Treasure Nakamura Ganjiro III, and features Nakamura Kanjaku and a cast of 45 actors and musicians.
The founder and star of the troupe, Ganjiro III, debuted in the starring role of Ohatsu some 50 years ago, and this tour will mark his farewell performances in the play, which he has presented in Europe, Russia and China in the past three years. Upon returning to Japan, he will retire from this role and take a new stage name.
The Grand Kabuki's Chikamatsu-za will present the full-length masterpiece of Chikamatsu Monzaemon's Sonezaki Shinju and the comic dance piece Bo Shibari- "Tied to a Pole".
Sonezaki Shinju - "The Love Suicides at Sonezaki", was written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon and first produced as a bunraku puppet play in Osaka in 1703. It was adapted for the Kabuki stage and was first performed in 1710. Based on a true incident, it is a masterpiece that occupies an important place in Japan's theatrical history as the first of Chikamatsu's shinju mono or love-suicide plays. The play is presented in three acts.
Bo Shibari - "Tied to a Pole", was written by Okamura Shiko and first performed in 1916. The dance finds its source in the kyogen comedy by the same name. Kyogen are light comic works of a farcical nature, originally staged between the more serious dramas of the Noh theater. Kyogen makes use of stock characters such as the feudal Lord and wily servant, and are of an earthy nature.
Because the Chikamatsu-za troupe
is based in Osaka, special attention was given to Kansai-area
Sister Cities in the United States. The troupe will perform in
Seattle, Portland, the San Francisco Bay area, concluding its
tour in the Los Angeles area with special performances celebrating
the 25th Anniversary of the Japanese American Cultural and Community
Center.
|
Dates: |
June 1 June 25, 2005 | |
|
Cities: |
Seattle, Portland, San Francisco (Berkeley), Cerritos | |
|
Program: |
Bo
Shibari , "Tied
to a Pole", Kyogen Comedy, 30 min. Intermission, 30 min. Sonezaki Shinju , "Love Suicides at Sonezaki", 100 min. |
|
|
Starring: |
Nakamura Ganjiro, Nakamura Senjaku, Nakamura Kikaku | |
|
Company: |
75 Actors and Musicians, with an additional 20-person touring staff of wigmasters, costumers, stage technicians and management. | |
|
Schedule: |
June 11 & 12, 2005, Seattle, 2 performances | |
| June 14, 2005, Portland, 1 performance | ||
| June 17 & 18, 2005, Berkeley, 2 performances | ||
| June 21, 2005, Cerritos, 1 performance (25th Anniversary Opening Night Gala) | ||
| June 22-24, 2005, Cerritos, 3 performances |
The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) is today one of the largest ethnic arts and cultural centers in the United States, presenting a wide array of traditional and contemporary performing arts, visual arts and community programs aimed at children, youth and families, as well as general arts audiences throughout Los Angeles.
Founded in 1971 as a California non-profit corporation and opened to the public in 1980, the JACCC is located in the Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles. The mission of the JACCC is to present, perpetuate, transmit and promote Japanese and Japanese American arts and culture to diverse audiences, and to provide a center to enhance community programs.
The JACCC's Japan America Theatre opened in 1983 with sold-out performances of the Grand Kabuki. Over the past 24 years, the JACCC has presented more performances of the Grand Kabuki than any other theater outside of Japan.
The JACCC's 25th Anniversary Season began in January 2005, with two exclusive, sold-out performances of the world-renowned KODO taiko ensemble. The Grand Kabuki will be the highlight of the JACCC's 25th Anniversary. To support this event, a 25th Anniversary Task Force of the Board of Directors has been established, headed by Board Chair Thomas Iino.
As a Sponsor, your company will be recognized as one that cares about enriching the cultural life of the people of Southern California through presentations of the best in Japanese traditional performing arts. Sponsors will receive promotional credit, visible recognition, and the option to purchase an unlimited number of prime tickets ensuring the best seats in the house before the general public. The JACCC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit California corporation. All contributions to the JACCC are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowable by law.
| PRODUCING SPONSORS: Minimum Contribution of $50,000 entitles you to: | |
| Title
Sponsorship Credit for Los Angeles performances of the Grand
Kabuki. Sponsorship Credit on all printed materials, including programs, fliers, posters, etc.,whenever possible. Full-page four-color advertisement in the Program Book with prime placement. Recognition at all Kabuki related events. Eight Premium seats to all Los Angeles performances of the Grand Kabuki. Opportunity to host VIP receptions connected with the Grand Kabuki. In addition, Stars of the Grand Kabuki will be available to take part in special promotional events and sponsor receptions as their tour schedule allows. |
|
| It is anticipated that the Japanese government will provide major support for this tour with considerable advance publicity in Japan and the U.S. The JACCC will work with Producing Sponsors to make certain that individuals and corporations with links in Japan are involved. | |
| MAJOR SPONSORS: Minimum Contribution of $25,000 entitles you to: | |
| Sponsorship
Credit on most printed materials, including programs and fliers. Full-page advertisement in the Program Book with prime placement. Recognition at Kabuki related events. Eight Premium seats to the Opening Night Gala of the Grand Kabuki. Opportunity to host VIP receptions connected with the Grand Kabuki. In addition, Artists of the Grand Kabuki will be available to take part in special promotional events and sponsor receptions as their tour schedule allows. |
|
| CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS: Minimum Contribution of $10,000 entitles you to: | |
| Sponsorship
Credit in the printed program. Full-page advertisement in the Program Book with prime placement. Recognition at Kabuki related events. Six premium seats to the Opening Night Gala of the Grand Kabuki. |
|
| SPONSORS: Minimum Contribution of $5,000 entitles you to: | |
| Sponsorship
Credit in the printed program. Full page black-and-white advertisement in the printed program. Recognition at Kabuki related events. Four premium tickets to the Opening Night Gala of the Grand Kabuki. |
|
| FRIENDS: Minimum Contribution of $2,500 entitles you to: | |
| Listing
as a Friend in the printed program. Recognition at Kabuki related events. 1/2 page black-and-white advertisement in the printed program. Two premium tickets to the Opening Night Gala of the Grand Kabuki. |
|
|
Donations received under $2,500
may be specified to any of the following events and/or items:
Artist Hospitality, VIP Reception, Youth and Educational Programs
for the Grand Kabuki. We greatly appreciate your consideration
and hope to develop a partnership with you in the future. |
|