Lantern Theater Company to Host 'In Conversation: Art World Movers and Shakers,' 6/20

Lantern Theater Company presents its final In Conversation event of the 2015/16 season with Art World Movers and Shakers on Monday, June 20th at 7 p.m.

In an examination of works of Asian art specific to the Lantern's production of 36 Views by Naomi Iizuka, this one-night event will include a panel discussion on the ethics of trading foreign works and an insider's perspective on the secrets and surprises in the buying and selling of art. Moderated by Lantern Associate Artistic Director Kathryn MacMillan, the panel includes Richard Cervantes, Department Head for Asian Arts and Oriental Rugs & Carpets for Freeman's auction house; Linda Chance, Associate Chair of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Pennsylvania; and Asaki Kuruma, Artistic Consultant for 36 Views.

In 36 Views, a rare and valuable work of art falls into the hands of ambitious art dealer Darius Wheeler. Passion and turmoil overflow from the pages of this ancient Japanese pillow book, changing the lives of Wheeler and his colleague, the magnetic East Asian art specialist Setsuko Hearn. The mystery unfolds in a series of 36 scenes that expertly weave Eastern artistic traditions and Western theatrical conventions. 36 Views constantly changes its point of view, revealing surprising perspectives on the worlds of art, commerce, and desire. Inspired by "36 Views of Mt. Fuji," the famous set of color woodblocks by 19th century Japanese artist Hokusai, 36 Views echoes its namesake's shifting perspectives and asks: is there one view that can capture the totality of its object, or is it only in the collection of viewpoints and their expressions that the truth can be identified?

According to the Lantern's Associate Artistic Director Kathryn MacMillan: "36 Views suggests that the world of art dealing is like an adventure movie: there are romantic trysts and professional betrayals, ancient objects imbued with mystery and power-that is, until plot twists suggest that the story is more surprising than that. The discussion will explore the real-world of art dealing, and compare its history and plot twists with those of the play. With art scholars on hand, we will also investigate the intellectual rigor it takes to trade in art works from different cultures and eras, and give audiences a deeper history of the Heian art that's at the center of 36 Views."

The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A and a complimentary wine and dessert reception. Discussion and reception tickets are $15 for individuals and $12 for Lantern subscribers, and are available online at www.lanterntheater.org or by calling the Lantern Box Office at (215) 829-0395. Theater critics and members of the press may reserve complimentary tickets for this event by contacting Jessica Doheny at jdoheny@lanterntheater.org or (215) 829-9002 x101. Lantern Theater Company is located at St. Stephen's Theater, 10th & Ludlow Sts. in Center City Philadelphia.