Not Held at Japan Society – Geisha presented by Lincoln Center Festival

Thursday, July 27 at 8:30 pm
Friday, July 28 at 8:30 pm
Saturday, July 29 at 8:30 pm
Sunday, July 30 at 3 pm

Location: Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, 10th Ave. between 58th and 59th

Explore the secret world of the enigmatic geisha as Singaporean director Ong Keng Sen returns to the Festival and weaves together a tapestry of tea house stories from geishas, maikos (apprentice geishas), clients, their wives, and the ever-looming okamasans (mama-sans). Geisha, a new production by TheatreWorks Singapore, takes us on a panoramic journey—from the geisha’s innocent childhood, to the stressful years of learning to excel at everything from flower arranging to proper kimono styling, to intricate wig and make-up techniques, to the subtle art of engaged conversation. Performers include the Obie-winning narrator Karen Kandel; female impersonator and kabuki dancer Gojo Masanosuke, who incorporates nihon buyoh (classical Japanese dance) into his traditional onnagata kabuki role; Kineya Katsumatsu, who plays the traditional Japanese three-stringed shamisen; and a soundscape composed and performed by electronics wizard DJ Toru Yamanaka, known to audiences from his work with Dumb Type. This enchanting production is a stunning example of the work of Ong Keng Sen, one of Singapore’s “cultural jewels”(Guardian Unlimited).

Tickets: $50, (212) 721-6500, www.lincolncenter.org