Traditional Dance from Okinawa with Live Music

September 19, 2015
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Performance past event

Co-presented with Yokohama Noh Theater (Yokohama Arts Foundation).

A warm breeze from Okinawa opens the season with traditional dance from Japan’s southern islands. A group of leading dancers and musicians, who are also alumni and faculty members of the prestigious Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts, perform refined court dances developed during the period when Okinawa was an independent kingdom (Ryukyu Kingdom, 15th-19th centuries), and playful folk dances (zo odori) that became popular after the end of the Ryukyu Kingdom. A stunning array of works depicting idyllic life on the islands, accompanied by seven musicians including instrumentalists and chanters, takes audiences on a trip through the rich history and culture of the archipelago.

A pre-performance lecture begins at 6:30 pm prior to each performance. Led by Dr. James Rhys Edwards, doctorate in Ethnomusicology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Open and free for ticket holders only.

Tickets: $40/$33 Japan Society members

The Friday, September 18 performance is followed by a MetLife Meet-the-Artists Reception.

Part of Okinawan Vibes
Japan Society presents a three-month-long series that introduces the unique culture of Okinawa, Japan’s southern islands, and highlights its sounds, flavors, colors and history.

Box Office Policy

Traditional Dance from Okinawa with Live Music and Okinawa Dance & Music Workshop + Onnagata Demonstration is supported by Okinawa Prefecture, Okinawa Prefectural Foundation for Cultural Promotion (Program for Okinawan culture in fiscal year 2015) with the assistance of Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts and Theater Create Co., Ltd.

Additional support for Okinawan Vibes is provided by Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Michiko Levine.

U.S. domestic transportation assistance for the Pre-performance lecturer is provided by United Airlines.

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MetLife Meet-the-Artists Reception
support is provided by MetLife Foundation.

Photo: Izumi Higa, courtesy of Yokohama Noh Theater © Yoshiaki Kanda.

  • Saturday, September 19, 2015
  • 7:30 pm