The Sumidagawa Project
Three versions. One haunting tale.
A mother searches for her lost son. Driven half-mad with worry, she meets a ferryman on the Sumida River who may know something. But is she prepared to learn the truth?
The tragic story of Sumidagawa has haunted Japanese and Western artists for hundreds of years. Join us as we explore three very different versions of the story: Noh theatre, Kabuki theatre, and chamber opera. Don’t miss this chance to see these rarely-screened masterpieces.
September 11, 2pm – Center for Japanese Studies, UC Berkeley
First performed in medieval Japan, the Noh version of Sumidagawa has moved audiences for centuries with its particular blend of mystery and pathos. A master work in the kyojomono category of Noh play—dramas of madwomen. 80 mins. In Japanese with English and Japanese subtitles. Click here for more information.
September 18, 2pm – Oakland Asian Cultural Center
With inspiration from Russian ballet, the Noh version was adapted to the Kabuki stage. The result is one of the great modern masterpieces of Kabuki. The famed onnagata Nakamura Utaemon VI plays the mother in one of his signature roles. 45 mins. In Japanese with English translation. Click here for more information.
Curlew River (chamber opera version)
October 16, 2pm – Center for Japanese Studies, UC Berkeley
Benjamin Britten was a world-renowned composer when he saw the Noh Sumidagawa in Japan in 1956. Intensely moved, he vowed to write a chamber opera of the story. Transposing the setting to the Curlew River in medieval England, Britten composed a powerful and touching parable for our times. 70 mins. In English with English subtitles. Please note this is a rare video document of this piece. As such, the audio and video are acceptable, but not high fidelity. Click here for more information.
For more information, email communications@jetaanc.org or contact:
Center for Japanese Studies, 2223 Fulton Street, 6th Floor, Berkeley, (510) 642-3156
Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth Street, Suite 290, Oakland, (510) 637-0455
Sponsored by JETAANC Kabuki Club, the UC Berkeley Center for Japanese Studies, and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center
