Join Michi in support of Sharing the beauty of Japan’s Noh drama with Seattle audiences
Michi
- What is this project all about?
- This campaign will fund a series of Noh performances in Seattle this fall. This is a rare chance for Seattle audiences to see the Noh play, Tomoe, performed in traditional style by Munenori Takeda, one of Japan’s young Noh stars, and the Takeda Noh Troupe. Deriving from the classic Japanese epic, “Tales of the Heike,” Tomoe tells the moving story of the famous 12th-century woman warrior, Tomoe Gozen, and her ill-fated love for her master,Yoshinaka. In addition to Tomoe, the program will include Seattle’s own Garrett Fisher, who pays tribute to the universal qualities of Noh with his original work, Yoshinaka. It was inspired by the beauty of this classical theatre form and draws from the same Noh play, Tomoe.
- Who is making this project possible?
- This project is made possible by the support of the Commemorative Organization for the Japan World Exposition (COJWE), the Toshiba International Foundation (TIFO), and numerous individual donors who value the universal beauty of Japan’s heritage arts.
- Will I see authentic Noh?
- Yes. This is why we’re so excited about this project! Munenori Takeda was brought up in the Noh theatre, playing his first role at the age of two. His family tree includes various Noh masters who have received the “Living National Treasure” (Ningen Kokuho) designation from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Individuals certified as Ningen Kokuho are considered to be the country’s “Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Properties.” The Kanze school / style of Noh, to which the Takeda family belongs, is known for its emphasis on beauty and elegance. It is the oldest Noh school in Japan, dating back to the 1300s when it was established by Zeami, the founder of Noh.
- Where will my donation go?
- All donations will go to a special fund dedicated to funding this Noh project. Your contribution will go towards everything from visa fees for the artists, to theater costs, labor costs for stage technicians, transport of valuable Noh accoutrements, production of English supertitles, show program, and an educational exhibit on Noh and Japanese culture at the theatre which audiences can browse during intermission. ここでの寄付金は、すべてこの能プロジェクトの資金として使用されます。
Thanks to...
| Jun 17 |
Japanese Chamber of Commerce
gave 100 for a share of the JACLab Traveling Arts program costs |
| Jun 13 |
Tim view profile
Tim
made a 10 contribution |
|
Steve view profile
Steve
made a 100 contribution |
Experience the Beauty of Noh Right Here in Seattle -- Join Me!
The first instance of hearing Munenori Takeda’s powerful and moving Noh chant is unforgettable. It’s both surprising and soothing – an unusual combination. The power in his voice, juxtaposed with the refinement of Noh gestures, makes for a thrilling experience for the viewer.
As one of the young masters of the pre-eminent Kanze school, Munenori Takeda can choose to pursue his career comfortably in Japan. But he feels so strongly that Noh is an art form that has something valuable to impart to all audiences that he is taking on the challenge of taking Noh farther afield, without compromising its traditional standards or essence.
His determination to do this has moved me to support his efforts. The collaboration with Seattle’s acclaimed opera composer, Garrett Fisher, makes it all the more exciting and meaningful for Seattle residents. This is a unique partnership in which both artists are deeply respectful of each other’s art forms and structures, and whose collaboration shows the kind of global understanding and cultural openness that Seattle is known for.
Please join me in making “The Beauty of Noh: Tomoe + Yoshinaka” happen in Seattle! Thank you for your donation and see you at ACT Theatre, September 26-28, 2014!
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About Japan Arts Connection Lab
JACLabは、日本伝統文化の発信と継承をミッションとして掲げ、シアトル周辺の皆様に、日本伝統文化のユニバーサルな魅力を味わっていただけるよう、地域の美術館、劇場、学校など、あるいは、地域の芸術家の皆様と協力して活動を続けています。今回の能公演は、武田宗典氏の“能を世界に広めたい”という熱き情熱を後押しする形で企画いたしました。どうか皆様も、この若き能楽師の世界への挑戦を応援してください。
JACLab is a nonprofit corporation and registered charity dedicated to sharing the universal beauty of Japan’s heritage arts with the US public. Developed over centuries through unbroken lines of master-apprentice training, these artistic traditions remain relevant for today’s society. Our activities aim to inform a community that can learn and appreciate the values embodied in Japan’s heritage arts.
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