Japan Society Sets 2015-16 Performing Arts Season, Featuring Theatre, Dance & More

Japan Society announces its 2015-2016 Performing Arts Season featuring works by visionary artists in dance, music and theater, along with one-of-a-kind related workshops and special events.

Productions and related events and workshops are detailed below. All events are at Japan Society, located at 333 East 47th Street. Tickets available to Japan Society members beginning Tuesday, August 4; tickets available to all beginning Tuesday, August 11. For tickets and further detail, or information on dance, theater and traditional packages, and student and group ticket availability, please visit www.japansociety.org, or call 212-715-1258.

JAPAN SOCIETY PERFORMING ARTS SCHEDULE, SEPTEMBER 2015 - MAY 2016

Traditional Dance from Okinawa, with Live Music
Friday, September 18 & Saturday, September 19 at 7:30pm
A warm breeze from Okinawa opens the season with traditional dance from Japan's southern island chain, a traditional style presented for the first time at Japan Society since 2004. A group of leading dancers and musicians, who are also alumni and faculty members of the prestigious Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts, perform refined court dances developed during the period when Okinawa was an independent kingdom (Ryukyu Kingdom, 15th-19th centuries) and playful folk dances (zo odori) that became popular after the end of the Ryukyu Kingdom. A stunning array of works depicting idyllic life on the islands, accompanied by seven musicians including instrumentalists and chanters, takes audiences on a trip through the rich history and culture of the archipelago. Tickets: $40/$33 Japan Society members.

Co-presented with Yokohama Noh Theater. Part of the Okinawa Vibes at Japan Society series, introducing the unique culture of Okinawa through film, talks, tastings and workshops.

>> Pre-performance lecture led by Dr. James Rhys Edwards, doctorate in Ethnomusicology from the University of California, Los Angeles, will begin at 6:30 pm prior to each performance. Open and free for ticket holders only.

>> Related Event: Okinawa Dance & Music Workshop + Onnagata Demonstration (see below)

This program is supported by Okinawa Prefectural Foundation for Cultural Promotion and presented with the assistance of Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts.

Charan-Po-Rantan: Concert + Party
Thursday, October 29. Doors and cash bar at 7:00pm. Opening Band at 7:30pm. Main stage show at 8:15pm.
Charming and vibrantly dressed sisters Koharu (accordion) and Momo (vocals), known by their whimsical name Charan-Po-Rantan, surprise audiences with their powerful performance of original music that incorporates the beats and melodies of pop, klezmer, circus, gypsy music and chanson as well as covers of retro Japanese popular songs. This hard-to-categorize pop duo delivers a rainbow of unpredictable visuals and stylings during their energetic stage performances. This evening marks their New York debut, and includes a Charan-Po-Rantan-inspired Halloween fête. Audiences are encouraged to come in colorful costume. Tickets: $25/$20 Japan Society members.

** This event is presented as part of Women on the Rise, a new Japan Society long-term initiative, bringing to the fore programming and content related to women, and shining a light on those who are pushing boundaries and expanding horizons within their field.

>> Related Event: Obake Family Day: Experience Japan's Ghosts & Goblins with Charan-Po-Rantan (see below)

Beer provided courtesy of SAPPORO U.S.A., INC.

Company Derashinera: Spectator
Friday, November 13 & Saturday, November 14 at 7:30pm
This highly conceptual multimedia dance work transports audiences back and forth between a seemingly quotidian space and an outlandish world. Inspired by a series of workshops with students from a school for the deaf in Tokyo, Spectator unveils non-narrative stories of tender emotion, woven through director/choreographer Shuji Onodera's original movement vocabulary coupled with video imagery, projected text, an intimate apartment room stage set and slapstick humor. The cast includes Naoya Oda from the celebrated butoh company Dairakudakan, along with Maki Yamada and Mai Nagumo, two participants from Onodera's initial workshops for deaf students. This presentation marks a return for Company Derashinera to Japan Society, where the company appeared in the 2010 Contemporary Dance Showcase with Another Story. Tickets: $30/$25 Japan Society members.

This program is supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan in the fiscal year 2015.

A Night of Kyogen / Mansaku Nomura and Mansaku-no-Kai Kyogen Company
Thursday, December 10*; Friday, December 11; Saturday, December 12 at 7:30pm
With this presentation, Japan Society celebrates a long-standing relationship with the Nomura Family that began half a century ago with Mansaku's father, Manzo Nomura. For this program, octogenarian Living National Treasure Mansaku Nomura, together with illustrious members of the Mansaku-no-Kai Kyogen Company, including stage/film/TV star Mansai Nomura and masterful performer Yukio Ishida, return to Japan Society to offer a special evening of kyogen, traditional comedic theater that began in medieval Japan that satirizes and embraces human imperfection. Centering around Mansaku's virtuosic performance of the vigorous solo piece Nasu no Yoichi, based on a serious episode from The Tale of the Heike, the program also includes the dynamic Akutaro, starring Mansai, about a troublemaker's unexpected journey to repentance and the popular play Bonsan, which follows a foolish thief with a penchant for bonsai trees. With English titles.
*Gala tickets: $85/$75 Japan Society members for December 10 Performance + Private Reception with the Artists. Limited availability.
Regular tickets: $55/$45 Japan Society members.

>> Pre-performance lecture led by Dr. Carolyn Morley, Professor of Japanese Literature and Theater at Wellesley College, will begin at 6:30 pm prior to each performance. Open and free for ticket holders only.

>> Related Event: Kyogen Movement Workshop for kids (see below)

>> Related Event: Kyogen Workshop: Movement + Voice (see below)

This program is supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan in the fiscal year 2015, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Arts Council Tokyo, and Kansai Osaka 21st Century Association through the Japan World Exposition 1970 Commemorative Fund.

Toshiki Okada: God Bless Baseball
Thursday, January 14 at 8:00pm; Friday, January 15 & Saturday, January 16 at 7:30pm; Sunday, January 17 at 2:30pm
In this North American premiere of his newest play God Bless Baseball, visionary playwright/director Toshiki Okada (chelfitsch Theater Company) addresses baseball, an iconic American pastime here explored as a symbol of America's global influence. Incorporating Okada's distinctive style of hyper-colloquial speech and exaggerated commonplace gestures, the play positions the U.S. as parent and Japan and Korea -- where baseball is deeply rooted in popular culture - as brothers heavily influenced by the parent. God Bless Baseball features a cast of Japanese and Korean actors, and a stage set by acclaimed visual artist Tadasu Takamine. This production marks a return for Toshiki Okada to Japan Society, following most recently, Hot Pepper, Air Conditioner, and the Farewell Speech in 2012, among other productions. With English titles. Tickets: $35/$28 Japan Society members.

Partner organizations for the God Bless Baseball U.S. tour are: FringeArts, Philadelphia, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland and Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University.

Part of The Public Theater's Under the Radar Festival, produced by The Public Theater.

>> Related Event: Toshiki Okada Workshop for Theater Professionals (see below)

The U.S. tour of God Bless Baseball is supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan in the fiscal year 2015, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, The Japan Foundation through the Performing Arts JAPAN Program, and the Asian Cultural Council. The New York engagement of Toshiki Okada's God Bless Baseball is made possible through the ArtsCONNECT program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. God Bless Baseball is commissioned by Asian Culture Complex - Asian Arts Theatre; co-produced by Asian Culture Complex- Asian Arts Theatre, Festival Tokyo, and Taipei Arts Festival; additional commissioning support provided by FringeArts, Philadelphia, Japan Society, New York, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland, and Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University; with research and workshop support by Doosan Art Center.

Ripe Time / PlayCo: Sleep (work-in-progress showing)
Friday, February 26 & Saturday, February 27 at 7:30pm; Sunday, February 28 at 2:30pm
The mundane life of a young Japanese housewife plagued by insomnia offers a window into a haunting and beautiful sleep-deprived world. Obie Award-winning theater companies Ripe Time and The Play Company offer a physical theater piece adapted from Haruki Murakami's short story Sleep (Nemuri). New York-based director Rachel Dickstein leads a trailblazing creative team of women including Japanese-American playwright Naomi Iizuka (text) and Obie Award-winner Mimi Lien (set design). Sleep examines how we push against the constraints of everyday life, transgress and rebel, and free fall through boundaries set up by society. Original score by the NewBorn Trio. Tickets: $20/$18 Japan Society members.

This program was developed at The Ground Floor at Berkeley Rep.

** Presented as part of Women on the Rise, detailed above.

Annual Play Reading Series: Contemporary Japanese Plays in English Translation
Girl X written by Suguru Yamamoto, directed by Charlotte Brathwaite
Monday, March 21 at 7:30pm
Set in present-day Tokyo, Girl X conveys the mood of an anxiety-ridden society through the members of an anonymous urban family: "Sister," who lives with her rich "Husband" and young daughter, her derelict "Younger Brother" and "Man," her former boyfriend who now wander the streets in search of the "Enemy." Written by Suguru Yamamoto, one of Japan's youngest and most promising playwrights and director, Girl X has received much acclaim in Japan, Thailand and Malaysia for capturing a spectrum of complex emotions including depictions of insecurity, indifference, tension and relief. Award-winning director Charlotte Brathwaite leads a cast of American actors and musicians in an innovative reading of this multi-layered story. Playwright Yamamoto joins in a post-performance conversation with the audience. This marks the 12th installment in this annual series that aims to introduce New York-based actors, directors and audiences to contemporary and topical Japanese theater artists and plays. Tickets: $15/$10 Japan Society members.

This program is supported by The Saison Foundation.

** Presented as part of Women on the Rise, detailed above.

Sound Exploration with Otomo Yoshihide/FEN
Saturday, May 14. Tickets and further details to be announced December 1.
Wizard noise unit FEN (Far East Network) makes its North American debut at Japan Society for a one-of-a-kind evening of sound exploration. Led by pioneer Japanese experimental musician Otomo Yoshihide, who is also known for his composition of the hit theme song from the 2013 NHK morning drama Amachan and his post-3/11 Fukushima revitalization efforts, FEN includes leading avant-garde musicians from throughout Asia: Ryu Hankil (Seoul), Yan Jun (Beijing) and Yuen Chee Wai (Singapore).

This program is supported by Doug and Teresa Peterson. Additional support is provided by the Asian Cultural Council.

WORKSHOPS & RELATED EVENTS: 2015-2016 Performing Arts Season

Okinawan Dance & Music Workshop + Onnagata Demonstration
In conjunction with Traditional Dance from Okinawa with Live Music
Saturday, September 19, 1:00-4:00pm
Leading alumni and faculty from the prestigious Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts teach the basic moves and melodies of traditional Okinawan dance and music. Participants will learn the dance Karaya, have the opportunity to try the sanshin (Okinawan shamisen) and witness a behind-the-scenes demonstration of a performer transformed into an onnagata (male actors who impersonate women) on stage.
Maximum 20 participants. Some dance/movement experience required. Participants must wear socks and activewear (no jeans). Tickets: $45/$40 Japan Society members.

Butoh Workshop with Yukio Suzuki
Sunday, October 4, 1:00-5:00pm
Yukio Suzuki, award-winning butoh dancer/choreographer and founder of the contemporary dance company Kingyo, leads a movement workshop based on butoh method. Participants will expand their senses through Suzuki's body awareness exercises.
Maximum 20 participants. Some dance/movement experience required. Participants must wear socks and activewear (no jeans). Tickets: $37/$32 Japan Society members.

Kyogen Workshop: Movement & Voice
In conjunction with A Night of Kyogen / Mansaku Nomura + Mansaku-no-Kai Kyogen Company
Saturday, December 12, 2:00-4:00pm
Mansai Nomura and members of the Mansaku-no-Kai Kyogen Company teach a workshop on the unique movements and vocalization patterns found in kyogen, Japan's traditional theater form originally performed between noh acts for comic relief.
Maximum 30 participants. Professional dance/movement experience required. Participants must wear socks and activewear (no jeans). Tickets: $55/$50 Japan Society members.

Toshiki Okada Workshop for Theater Professionals
Held in conjunction with God Bless Baseball
Saturday, January 16, 1:00-4:00pm
Toshiki Okada, internationally celebrated playwright/director and founder of the acclaimed theater company chelfitsch, leads a workshop introducing his characteristic theater techniques and everyday movements of fidgets and twitches that expand the conventional vocabularies of theater and dance.
Maximum 15 participants. Professional performance/directing experience required. Participants must wear socks and activewear (no jeans). Tickets: $40/$35 Japan Society members.

Kids & Family Events: 2015-2016 Performing Arts Season

Butoh + Dance Workshop for Kids
Sunday, October 4, 10:30am-12:00pm
Butoh dancer Yukio Suzuki leads his kids dance/movement workshop, which is founded in the basics of butoh. Beginning with a craft activity, this session teaches kids body control through fun, free movements meant to spark imagination.
Maximum 20 participants; open to participants ages 5 - 12, accompanied by an adult. Participants must wear comfortable clothing. Tickets $18/$15 Japan Society members.

Obake Family Day: Experience Japan's Ghosts + Goblins
with Charan-Po-Rantan
In conjunction with Charan-Po-Rantan Concert + Party
Sunday, November 1, 11:00am-4:00pm
Japan Society's fall Obake Family Day event returns. This year features a mini-concert by the entertaining duo Charan-Po-Rantan in addition to activities where kids can learn about Japan's many ghosts and goblins.
More information forthcoming at japansociety.org

Kyogen Movement Workshop for Kids
In conjunction with A Night of Kyogen / Mansaku Nomura + Mansaku-no-Kai Kyogen Company
Saturday, December 12, 10:30am-12:00pm
Led by members of the Mansaku-no-Kai Kyogen Company, young audiences will learn about traditional Japanese theater through a craft activity, basic greetings and movements found in noh theater as well as the acting out of fun animals that appear in kyogen comedic theater.
Maximum 20 participants. Open to participants ages 5 - 12, accompanied by an adult. Participants must wear comfortable clothing. Tickets $20/$17 Japan Society members.

Since the inception of the Performing Arts Program in 1953, Japan Society has introduced nearly 700 of Japan's finest performing arts to an extensive American audience. Programs range from the traditional arts of noh, kyogen, bunraku and kabuki to cutting-edge theater, dance and music. The Program also commissions new works to non-Japanese artists, produces national tours, organizes residency programs for American and Japanese artists and develops and distributes educational programs. "At once diverse and daring, the program stands toe to toe with some of the most comprehensive cultural exchange endeavors today." --Back Stage.

Founded in 1907, Japan Society is a multidisciplinary hub for global leaders, artists, scholars, educators, and English and Japanese-speaking audiences. At the Society, more than 100 events each year feature sophisticated, topically relevant presentations of Japanese art and culture and open, critical dialogue on issues of vital importance to the U.S., Japan and East Asia. An American nonprofit, nonpolitical organization, the Society cultivates a constructive, resonant and dynamic relationship between the people of the U.S. and Japan.
Tickets & Information: Tickets for performances and related events at Japan Society can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 212-715-1258 or in person at Japan Society (M-F 11:00am - 6:00pm and Sat-Sun 11:00am - 5:00pm). Japan Society is located at 333 East 47th Street, between First and Second Avenues (accessible by the 4/5/6 at 42nd Street-Grand Central Station or the E at Lexington Avenue and 53rd Street). For more information, call 212-832-1155 or visit http://www.japansociety.org

For special offers, dance, theater and traditional packages, and student and group ticket availability please visit www.japansociety.org.