Not Held at Japan Society – Salon Series No. 18

Aesthetics of Insanity in the Greek Drama and Japanese Theater

Date: Sunday, March 28
Time: 3 – 4 pm
Place: Tenri Cultural Institute, 43A West 13th Street, New York City
Special Guest: Prof. John Chioles, New York University
   
In 2004 Salon Series, Sachiyo Ito and Company will plan the 3 part series to prime a larger audience for a full appreciation of the company’s NY season concert on September 18, 2004.  Salon Series #18 will present Aesthetics of Insanity in the Greek Drama and Japanese Theater, which will explore its underlying meaning of insanity in the theater traditions by comparing that of Japanese theater with Greek drama.  The presentation will focus on the Japanese dance and drama genre called Kyoran-mono (Insanity dances and plays).  Onatsu Kyoran, to be the featured work in the September concert, is one of most popular examples. Prof. Chioles will discuss such Greek dramas as Medea with specific reference to the subject.  Dr. Ito will perform a selection from Onatsu Kyoran to illustrate her remarks.

Salon Series is an ongoing series of informative and educational lectures,  lecture-demonstrations and performances aimed at those who are interested in deepening their knowledge of the performing arts of Japan. The series is held on Sunday afternoons three times a year.

Dates of Future Salon Series:  May 16, July 11

John Chioles is a theater director, whose work ISMENE, was seen recently at the State Theater in Greece.  He teaches Comparative Literature and Drama at New York University, and is also a writer; his most recent book is AESCHYLUS: MYTHIC THEATRE, POLITICAL VOICE.

For information on concerts, workshops and dance classes, please call (212) 627-0265