Exclusive Southern California Engagement
The Grand Kabuki Returns to Southern California
In Celebration of the JACCC 25th Anniversary
 

 SHOCHIKU GRAND KABUKI
 

 CHIKAMATSU - ZA
 

  Starring
Living National Treasure
Nakamura Ganjiro III

Nakamura Kanjaku
Nakamura Kikaku
       
The Grand Kabuki, Japan's most spectacular theater tradition makes its triumphant return to Southern California for the first time in nearly a decade with the critically-acclaimed Chikamatsu-za troupe, presenting the refined kamigata dramatic style. Named for Japan's foremost classical playwright, the 85-member troupe, headed by the celebrated Living National Treasure, Nakamura Ganjiro III, will present the classic masterpiece "Sonezaki Shinju" or "The Love Suicides at Sonezaki" paired with an elaborately costumed dance piece. n Kabuki is known as one of the world's greatest theatrical arts. It has captivated and inspired audiences for more than 350 years with its visual splendor. It is unique in its stunning portrayal of beautiful women by male onnagata actors. A full ensemble of singers, shamisen players and percussionists will provide exciting musical accompaniment. Kabuki is total theater - a complete experience of music, dance and drama.
       
 

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***NEW UPDATE!***
Wednesday, June 15

For a PDF version of the following event including pictures, please click here

Japan America Society of Southern California
and Japanese American Cultural &Community Center

Present a special lecture on

THE GRAND KABUKI:

Appreciating Japan’s Most Spectacular Theatre Tradition

Guest Speaker

CAROL FISHER SORGENFREI

Professor, UCLA Department of Theater Arts

The Grand Kabuki, Japan's most spectacular theater tradition makes its triumphant return to Southern California for the first time in nearly a decade with the critically-acclaimed Chikamatsu-za troupe, headed by the celebrated Living National Treasure, Nakamura Ganjiro III. Our distinguished speaker will lead a discussion on the upcoming performances that will deepen your understanding of the art form and greatly enhance your experience during and long after The Grand Kabuki returns to Japan.

Professor Carol Fisher Sorgenfrei joined the faculty of UCLA in 1980 after completing her Ph.D. at UC Santa Barbara. Her research interests include all aspects of traditional and modern Japanese theater. Her most recent publication, "Unspeakable Acts: The Avant Garde Theatre of Terayama Sh_ji and Postwar Japan," will be published by University of Hawai`i Press in July 2005.

$20 JAS & JACCC Members & Guests

$25 Non-Members

Free for students with valid ID

6pm Registration & Light Refreshments

6:30pm -7:30pm Lecture & Q&A

Japanese American Cultural & Community Center

Garden Room A, Basement Level,

244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles (Little Tokyo) CA 90012


 

 
June 21
Program
 
       
 

 "Ayatsuri Sambaso"
with Nakamura Kanjaku
 


This unique version of the celebratory dance of congratulation, "Ayatsuri Sambaso" (Marionette Sambaso) features a puppeteer and his marionette. The stately ceremonial dance becomes increasingly animated as the tempo increases with vigorous stamping and shaking of bells, creating greater challenges for both dancers.
       
 

 "Sonezaki Shinju"
with Nakamura Ganjiro III and
Nakamura Kanjaku, Nakamura Kikaku
 


Hailed as Chikamatsu Monzaemon's masterpiece, "Sonezaki Shinju" (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki), is set in the rigidly stratified society of 18th century Japan. The tragic drama recounts the plight of two lovers Tokubei and Ohatsu, caught in a struggle between duty and personal desire which ultimately leads to their death.
       

 

 June 22, 23, 24
Program
 
       
 

  "Bo Shibari"
with Nakamura Kanjaku, Nakamura Kikaku
 


Adapted from the classic Kyogen comedy of the same name, "Bo Shibari " (Tied to a Pole), is a perennial audience favorite. In spite of being bound and tied to a pole, two servants manage to get into their master's best sake, thoroughly amusing themselves with song and dance. The inventive and irreverent movements in this piece showcase the actors' versatility and extraordinary acrobatic agility.
       
 

 "Sonezaki Shinju"
with Nakamura Ganjiro III,
Nakamura Kanjaku, Nakamura Kikaku
 


Hailed as Chikamatsu Monzaemon's masterpiece, "Sonezaki Shinju" (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki), is set in the rigidly stratified society of 18th century Japan. The tragic drama recounts the plight of two lovers Tokubei and Ohatsu, caught in a struggle between duty and personal desire which ultimately leads to their death.

       

Produced by Shochiku Company, Ltd. and Arrow Promotion Company, Ltd. U.S. Tour produced by One Reel.

The 2005 United States tour of Shochiku Grand Kabuki Chikamatsu-za is presented by The Boeing Company, sponsored by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Toray Industries, Inc. and ANA, and supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Japan and The Japan Foundation.

 

Tickets
 
       
 

Public sale of Tickets begins April 18
JACCC Members can receive priority handling prior to April 18
Call 213-680-3700
 
       
 

 June 21,
7:30pm Curtain

JACCC 25th Anniversary Gala Program
"Ayatsuri Sambaso" and "Sonezaki Shinju"


AA- $10,000 Patron Box (8 seats), Main Floor

$5,000 Gold Circle Box (5 seats), 2nd Level

$500 Hanamichi

A- $250 Orchestra

B- $125 Grand Tier and Gold Circle

C- $95 Upper Circle Tier
 
       
       
 

 June 22, 23, 24
8pm Curtain

"Bo Shibari" and "Sonezaki Shinju"

AA $125 Boxes and Hanamichi Seats

A- $95 Orchestra, Grand Tier and Gold Circle Front

B- $80 Gold Circle Rear and Upper Tier

C- $65 Upper Circle
 

 For a priority mail order form: click here
       

 To view the seating layout: click here
       

 For phone orders call 213-680-3700
       

 For on-line ticket orders, go to www.cerritoscenter.com, ( under construction)
       

 Earphone Guides to provide English commentary timed to match the action on stage will be available for the performances.
       

All performances are at the
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

12700 Center Court Drive Cerritos, CA 90703
Conveniently located off the 91 Freeway, Shoemaker or Bloomfield exits
Ample free parking available
       
 

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