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Join Akemi in support of Sharing the beauty of Japan’s Noh drama with Seattle audiences

Akemi

1800 from 4 donors 2000 goal
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 800 for a share of the JACLab Traveling Arts program costs
Jun 13
Steve view profile
Steve made a 250 contribution
Jun 9
Aoba view profile
Aoba made a 500 contribution
Jun 8
Brenda view profile
Brenda gave 250 for a share of the JACLab Traveling Arts program costs

Experience the Beauty of Noh Right Here in Seattle -- Join Me!

When I heard Munenori chant Noh phrase for the first time, I thought my heart literally trembled. His voice was so powerful, so soulful, yet so comforting. It is hard to imagine from his casual conversational voice…..

It’s amazing that he has been performing Noh ever since he was two and a half years old. As one of the young masters of prominent Noh school, he could have continued his career safely in Japan. But he chose not to be satisfied with the status quo but challenge this ambitious mission; to share Noh’s universal beauty with the world.

His determination has moved me to support his very effort. I’m so happy to have him and his Noh troop perform in Seattle this September. The collaboration with the acclaimed local composer Garrett Fisher is all the more exciting.

Please join me in supporting “The Beauty of Noh: Tomoe and Yoshinaka” so that this performance will be a great success! Thank you for your donation and see you at ACT Theatre in September 26-28, 2014!

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You have made arts news happen in Seattle! Thank you A special Noh-Opera collaboration - only in Seattle

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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