St. Louis, MO

Presented by Washington University, East Asian Studies Program
and the University of Missouri-St. Louis Center for International Studies

Public performance

"Treasured Tales from Old Japan: Shinnai Narrative Singing and Kuruma Ningyo Puppetry"

Friday, October 19, 2007, 8:00 pm
J. C. Penney Auditorium at the University of Missouri-St. Louis
(click for map)

Tickets are complimentary. Call 314-516-7299 to request yours.

Performance in conjunction with the Midwest Conference on Asian Affairs

Acclaimed master of Shinnai narrative singing, Tsuruga Wakasanojo XI, and master of Kuruma Ningyo puppetry, Nishikawa Koryu V, capture light-hearted friendship and painful love from eighteenth-century Japan in their performance of "Yaji Kita," and "Black Hair" (Kurokami).

Puppets operated by Nishikawa Koryu V and his associate gain voice through Tsuruga Wakasanojo XI. Together they re-create the world of townspeople in "Yaji Kita," a funny travelogue between fainthearted Kitahachi and a prankster, Yajirobei, who claims that he is not afraid of ghosts; and "Black Hair," a passionate dance number expressing a woman's tormented jealousy caused by love.

Click here then click on "International Performing Arts" to be directed to the venue website.

Other programs to be announced.