Takao Kawaguchi: About Kazuo Ohno

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" it suddenly popped into my head that I wanted to become Kazue Ohno" Japanese artist/dancer Takao Kawaguchi re-creates the persona of the legendary Butoh dancer Kazuo Ohno through his masterpieces such a "Admiring La Argentina" (1977), "My Mother"(1981), and "Dead Sea, Ghost, Wiener waltz" (1985). Capturing Ohno's style that was improvisational and unique for the distinctive features of his body and movements, Kawaguchi projects himself into being into the forms and shapes of the master Ohno's body- reliving the dream. Here copy becomes an original. Audience members are invited to a pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. in Bowker Auditorium Outreach: Movement classes and lectures will be offered in conjunction with this event and may be open to public participation and observation as space permits. Please call Asian Arts and Culture Program at 413-577-2486 for information and reservations.

Interview by the Performing Arts Network Japan can be found here

 

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Shank's Mare | Koryu Nishikawa V & Tom Lee

Mar 30 2017 07:30p.m.
Bowker Auditorium, Stockbridge Hall, UMass general admission

Shank's Mare presents the unique tradition of Japanese Kuruma Ningyo (cart puppets) in the story of two travelers wandering along the great highway from Tokyo to Kyoto. Created by American puppeteer Tom Lee & Japanese Master Puppeteer Koryu Nishikawa V, this work infuses traditional Kuruma Ningyo puppetry, video projection, and live music to explore themes of life, death, and tradition.

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When Gods Mingled with Mortals: Sacred Dances & Legends of Hawai`i

Thursday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Center Concert Hall

Featuring Michael Pili Pang and the Halau Hula Ka No'Eau Ensemble. Celebrating 30 years of dance, chants and traditions, Halau Hula Ka Noʻeau captivates audiences with their exquisitely artistic and culturally authentic Hawaiian dance performances. Choreographer and cultural historian Michael Pili Pang, presents a new work based on the traditional legends of Hawaiian gods who were revered as heroes and the creators of the Hawaiian Islands. Pang creates innovative choreography that combines traditional hula, music and chants into high artistic expression.

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Contra-Tiempo

Thursday, October 6 at 7:30p.m.
Fine Arts Center Concert Hall

This Los Angeles based dance company performs their newest evening-length work, Agua Furiosa, challenging the audience to confront the harsh realities of race in our country. Inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest and Oya, the Afro-Cuban deity of wind and storms, Agua Furiosa merges call and response, a live vocalist, water themes, fierce physicality and the performers' own personal narratives.

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