May 20, 2012
Butoh, Noh, and Kabuki: “The Black Mound”
Join alumni and friends for a special class focusing on the haunting Japanese folk story, The Black Mound (Kurozuka). The class will explore three different versions of the story:
- A live Butoh dance created especially for the occasion by Oakland Asian Cultural Center Artist-in-Residence, Judith Kajiwara
- Medieval Noh dance drama (video), one of Noh’s three famous “female demon” plays
- Modern Kabuki version (video), a masterpiece of 20th Century dance
A group of priests on a pilgrimage through the wild moors of Fukushima seeks refuge for the night in the house of a kindly old woman. But are they prepared to learn her horrifying and unholy secret? (Kabuki synopsis; Noh synopsis)
For more about Judith Kajiwara, click here. Don’t miss her inspiring performance of new Butoh dance pieces, “Tsunami of Light,” on May 19 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. For more information, click here.
Noh and Kabuki videos are in Japanese with English subtitles/translation. If you are curious about why the unique combination of drama, music, dance, and spectacle of Butoh, Noh, and Kabuki continue to enthrall millions every year, here’s your chance to study it “amongst fans and experts who will gladly fill you in on all the social and historical aspects of the performance” (Flavorpill “Editor’s Pick”).
What is Butoh? Click here for a good introduction. What is Kabuki? Click here for a good introduction. What is Noh? Click here for a good introduction.
Class is free and open to the public. Sponsored by JETAANC Kabuki Club. Co-sponsored by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
Related Resources
Photo story slideshow of the Noh version of The Black Mound.
Photo of the Black Mound that local legend holds to be the home of the demon. The cave is located in Nihonmastsu, in Fukushima Prefecture, 45 miles away from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant. The famous haiku poet Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694) visited The Black Mound near the end of his life:
“We turned off to the right at Nihonmatsu, paid a hasty visit to the cave at Kurozuka, and stopped for the night at Fukushima.” - Narrow Roads of Oku
Tastuda Hijikata Archive. Judith Kajiwara was influenced by Hijikata, who created the Butoh dance style during the dark days following Japan’s defeat in World War II.
Short biography of Hijikata.
Video of Hijikata dancing his famous Butoh piece, “Hosotan.”
Video documentary about Hijikata.
Video documentary about Butoh.
May 27, 2012
Kabuki on Film: The 47 Ronin – “Enya Hangan’s Harakiri”
Join us for the Kabuki drama, “Enya Hangan’s Harakiri,” a famous act from “The 47 Ronin,” one of the most popular samurai revenge tales of all time! No need to have seen prior acts; this drama is a self-contained story! (synopsis)
Forty-seven samurai. One epic vendetta.
The evil Lord Morono goaded the noble Lord Hangan into committing a crime punishable by death. Now Hangan must commit the ritual suicide of harakiri to atone for it. Will his 47 loyal retainers just stand by and watch him die? Or will they do everything they can to save him? (synopsis)
Made into more than 90 film versions—including one coming out next year with Keanu Reeves—the epic story of The 47 Ronin (Chushingura) is one of the most popular Japanese stories of all time. (synopsis) Join us as we explore on film the Kabuki saga that started it all. Each act stands alone as a self-contained story while advancing the overall saga, so study the whole epic or choose only the parts you like! In Japanese with English subtitles.
The class is part of The 47 Ronin Project, a year-long exploration of the original Kabuki theatre version of the popular samurai revenge tale on film. The JETAANC and San Mateo Kabuki Clubs are teaming up to bring you a series of classes focusing on two different celebrated productions of the complete epic. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to study this masterpiece of Japanese theatre! Click here for details.
Related Links and Resources. The popular story of the 47 Ronin was based on a true story about 47 samurai who avenged their master under similar circumstances, known as the “Ako Incident.” Click here to explore the story and the history that inspired it on the 47 Ronin Links and Resources page.
What is Kabuki theatre? Click here for a good introduction.
Sponsored by JETAANC Kabuki Club, JCCCNC, and SMJACC Kabuki Club.
June 10, 2012
Kabuki on Film: The 47 Ronin – “The Bridegroom’s Journey”
Join us for the Kabuki dance drama, “The Bridegroom’s Journey,” a famous act from “The 47 Ronin,” one of the most popular samurai revenge tales of all time! No need to have seen prior acts; this drama is a self-contained story! (synopsis)
Forty-seven samurai. One epic vendetta.
Made into more than 90 film versions—including one coming out in 2013 with Keanu Reeves—the epic story of The 47 Ronin (Chushingura) is one of the most popular Japanese stories of all time. (synopsis) Join us as we explore on film the Kabuki saga that started it all. Each act stands alone as a self-contained story while advancing the overall saga, so study the whole epic or choose only the parts you like! In Japanese with English subtitles.
The class is part of The 47 Ronin Project, a year-long exploration of the original Kabuki theatre version of the popular samurai revenge tale on film. The JETAANC and San Mateo Kabuki Clubs are teaming up to bring you a series of classes focusing on two different celebrated productions of the complete epic. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to study this masterpiece of Japanese theatre! Click here for details.
Related Links and Resources. The popular story of the 47 Ronin was based on a true story about 47 samurai who avenged their master under similar circumstances, known as the “Ako Incident.” Click here to explore the story and the history that inspired it on the 47 Ronin Links and Resources page.
What is Kabuki theatre? Click here for a good introduction.
Sponsored by JETAANC Kabuki Club, JCCCNC, and SMJACC Kabuki Club.
July 8, 2012
Kabuki on Film: The 47 Ronin – “The Yamazaki Highway” and “Kampei’s Death”
Join us for the Kabuki dramas, “The Yamazaki Highway” and “Kampei’s Death,” two famous acts from “The 47 Ronin,” one of the most popular samurai revenge tales of all time! No need to have seen prior acts; these dramas are each a self-contained story! (Synopsis for “The Yamazaki Highway”) (Synopsis of “Kampei’s Death”)
Forty-seven samurai. One epic vendetta.
Made into more than 90 film versions—including one coming out in 2013 with Keanu Reeves—the epic story of The 47 Ronin (Chushingura) is one of the most popular Japanese stories of all time. (synopsis) Join us as we explore on film the Kabuki saga that started it all. Each act stands alone as a self-contained story while advancing the overall saga, so study the whole epic or choose only the parts you like! In Japanese with English subtitles.
The class is part of The 47 Ronin Project, a year-long exploration of the original Kabuki theatre version of the popular samurai revenge tale on film. The JETAANC and San Mateo Kabuki Clubs are teaming up to bring you a series of classes focusing on two different celebrated productions of the complete epic. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to study this masterpiece of Japanese theatre! Click here for details.
Related Links and Resources. The popular story of the 47 Ronin was based on a true story about 47 samurai who avenged their master under similar circumstances, known as the “Ako Incident.” Click here to explore the story and the history that inspired it on the 47 Ronin Links and Resources page.
What is Kabuki theatre? Click here for a good introduction.
Sponsored by JETAANC Kabuki Club, JCCCNC, and SMJACC Kabuki Club.
August 12, 2012
Kabuki on Film: The 47 Ronin – “The Ichiriki Teahouse at Gion”
Join us for the Kabuki drama, “The Ichiriki Teahouse at Gion,” a famous act from “The 47 Ronin,” one of the most popular samurai revenge tales of all time! No need to have seen prior acts; this drama is a self-contained story! (synopsis)
Forty-seven samurai. One epic vendetta.
Made into more than 90 film versions—including one coming out in 2013 with Keanu Reeves—the epic story of The 47 Ronin (Chushingura) is one of the most popular Japanese stories of all time. (synopsis) Join us as we explore on film the Kabuki saga that started it all. Each act stands alone as a self-contained story while advancing the overall saga, so study the whole epic or choose only the parts you like! In Japanese with English subtitles.
The class is part of The 47 Ronin Project, a year-long exploration of the original Kabuki theatre version of the popular samurai revenge tale on film. The JETAANC and San Mateo Kabuki Clubs are teaming up to bring you a series of classes focusing on two different celebrated productions of the complete epic. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to study this masterpiece of Japanese theatre! Click here for details.
Related Links and Resources. The popular story of the 47 Ronin was based on a true story about 47 samurai who avenged their master under similar circumstances, known as the “Ako Incident.”Click here to explore the story and the history that inspired it on the 47 Ronin Links and Resources page.
What is Kabuki theatre? Click here for a good introduction.
Sponsored by JETAANC Kabuki Club, JCCCNC, and SMJACC Kabuki Club.
September 16, 2012
Kabuki on Film
Join alumni and friends for a special class focusing on Kabuki drama.
If you are curious about why Kabuki’s unique combination of drama, music, dance, and spectacle continues to enthrall millions every year, here’s your chance to study it it “amongst fans and experts who will gladly fill you in on all the social and historical aspects of the performance” (Flavorpill “Editor’s Pick”).
What is Kabuki? Click here for a good introduction.
Free and open to the public. Sponsored by JETAANC Kabuki Club. Co-sponsored by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
October 14, 2012
Kabuki on Film: The 47 Ronin – “The Bride’s Journey” and “Retreat at Yamashina”
Join us for the the Bunraku drama “The Bride’s Journey“ and the Kabuki drama, “The Retreat at Yamashina,” famous acts from “The 47 Ronin,” one of the most popular samurai revenge tales of all time! No need to have seen prior acts; these dramas are each a self-contained story! (Synopsis of “The Bride’s Journey”) (Synopsis of “The Retreat at Yamashina“)
Forty-seven samurai. One epic vendetta.
Made into more than 90 film versions—including one coming out in 2013 with Keanu Reeves—the epic story of The 47 Ronin (Chushingura) is one of the most popular Japanese stories of all time. (synopsis) Join us as we explore on film the Kabuki saga that started it all. Each act stands alone as a self-contained story while advancing the overall saga, so study the whole epic or choose only the parts you like! In Japanese with English subtitles.
The class is part of The 47 Ronin Project, a year-long exploration of the original Kabuki theatre version of the popular samurai revenge tale on film. The JETAANC and San Mateo Kabuki Clubs are teaming up to bring you a series of classes focusing on two different celebrated productions of the complete epic. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to study this masterpiece of Japanese theatre! Click here for details.
Related Links and Resources. The popular story of the 47 Ronin was based on a true story about 47 samurai who avenged their master under similar circumstances, known as the “Ako Incident.” Click here to explore the story and the history that inspired it on the 47 Ronin Links and Resources page.
What is Kabuki theatre? Click here for a good introduction. What is Bunraku theatre? Click here for a good introduction.
Sponsored by JETAANC Kabuki Club, JCCCNC, and SMJACC Kabuki Club.
November 18, 2012
Kabuki on Film: The 47 Ronin – “The Loyalty of Gihei” and “Attack on Morono’s Mansion”
Join us for the Bunraku drama, “The Loyalty of Gihei,” and the Kabuki drama, “The Attack on Morono’s Mansion,” famous acts from “The 47 Ronin,” one of the most popular samurai revenge tales of all time! No need to have seen prior acts; these dramas are each a self-contained story! (Synopsis of The Loyalty of Gihei) (Synopsis of “The Attack on Morono’s Mansion)
Forty-seven samurai. One epic vendetta.
Made into more than 90 film versions—including one coming out in 2013 with Keanu Reeves—the epic story of The 47 Ronin (Chushingura) is one of the most popular Japanese stories of all time. (synopsis) Join us as we explore on film the Kabuki saga that started it all. Each act stands alone as a self-contained story while advancing the overall saga, so study the whole epic or choose only the parts you like! In Japanese with English subtitles.
The class is part of The 47 Ronin Project, a year-long exploration of the original Kabuki theatre version of the popular samurai revenge tale on film. The JETAANC and San Mateo Kabuki Clubs are teaming up to bring you a series of classes focusing on two different celebrated productions of the complete epic. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to study this masterpiece of Japanese theatre! Click here for details.
Related Links and Resources. The popular story of the 47 Ronin was based on a true story about 47 samurai who avenged their master under similar circumstances, known as the “Ako Incident.” Click here to explore the story and the history that inspired it on the 47 Ronin Links and Resources page.
What is Kabuki theatre? Click here for a good introduction. What is Bunraku theatre? Click here for a good introduction.
Sponsored by JETAANC Kabuki Club, JCCCNC, and SMJACC Kabuki Club.
