Nengajo and 2011

Happy New Year! We have decided to send a New Years greetings rather than Christmas or holiday greetings for a few reasons: (1) People get tons of messages and greetings before Christmas, but this is one they can enjoy after the holidays when they have to dig themselves out of their relaxed mode and get back into a regular pace, and (2) There is usually such a panic to get stuff done before Christmas that it is nicer to relax and write/send greetings between Christmas and New Years.

We sent some nengajō (年賀状) or New Years postcards, and an email message to our whole mailing list. This year we featured photos from our production Odori: The World of Kabuki Dance. Clockwise from the upper left corner is IZUMI Tokuho in Yashikimusume, FUJIMA Shôgo in Tomoyakko, FUJIMA Sayû in Shiki no Yamamba, and FUJIMA Monyo in Matsu.

2011 is the Year of the Rabbit - which is supposed to be calmer than last year (Year of the Tiger) with an "unhurried pace...without too many annoyances" http://www.theholidayspot.com/chinese_new_year/more_zodiacs/rabbit.htm We will be pretty busy this year as well - though not as crazy as 2010 - and we are certainly hoping for the "lack of annoyances" for everyone!

Photos of Odori on FLICKR

Another thank-you to everyone who supported TomoeArts in our landmark project Odori. It was a huge success on all counts. Messages from the artists in Japan say they are all back to their regular busy lives in Japan working, teaching, and performing. They had a wonderful time here, and say they miss Canada!
Take a look at some photos from the show – taken by the amazing Trevan Wong and a few photos of the workshops too. Check out the new Odori: The World of Kabuki Dance photostream at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46550780@N03/sets/72157624348511596/show/with/4734721079/

It would be great to hear some feedback on Odori – so if you have any comments or thoughts – please let us know. We really want to hear what you think. We hope to do another large-scale traditional performance in the future, so any input is welcome to help us plan for the future!

MOVEMENT WORKSHOP WITH MASTER DANCER FUJIMA SHÔGO

Don’t miss this opportunity for some hands on practice with Fujima Shôgo. This is a rare chance to work with him on character movement, fan gestures and dance in a small class. Co-produced by TomoeArts and Pangaea Arts.



Pangaea Arts and TomoeArts presents a Movement Workshop with master dancer Fujima Shôgo.

Thursday APRIL 8, 2010, 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie Street (at Granville), Marcuse Studio 7F.
Fee: $40.00 + GST.
Space is limited to 20 participants.
To register email workshop@pangaea-arts.com or call 604.875.8316.
For more detailed information about the workshop call: 604.607.5978.

All professional kabuki actors begin their training with studies in Japanese classical dance, and every movement in kabuki is based in dance. Vancouver performers are invited to participate in a workshop on character movement and dance in kabuki, led by visiting master dancer/teacher Fujima Shôgo. This workshop is open to anyone with theatre or dance experience and an interest in stylized movement. No previous experience with kabuki dance is necessary.

Approximately 90 minutes of movement and half an hour of question and answer with Fujima Shôgo.

Dress for movement. Wear tabi or socks.

Odori: A Brief Background on The World of Kabuki Dance

Kabuki theatre was the primary theatrical entertainment during Japan’s Edo period (17th through 19th centuries), and odori was the dance form used in kabuki performances. Today, odori continues to charm audiences with intricate costumes, riveting characters, enthralling storylines and a vast array of moods. “Many pieces within the odori repertoire are very much plays unto themselves,” says TomoeArts Artistic Director Colleen Lanki, who will share the stage with master dancers Fujima Shôgo, Izumi Tokuho, and Fujima Monyo. Fujima Shôgo is Lanki’s longtime teacher and a celebrated performer who has performed on countless international stages over the last two decades. “The artists we’re bringing from Japan are masters of odori, and their participation in this project is a real treat for Vancouver audiences,” says Lanki. The quartet will perform character-driven pieces from the odori repertoire.

Odori: The World of Kabuki Dance April 10-11, 2010

Odori: The World of Kabuki Dance showcases odori the dance of the kabuki theatre performed by 3 master dancer-actors from Japan: Fujima Shôgo, Izumi Tokuho and Fujima Monyo. These master dancers will join TomoeArts artistic director Colleen Lanki (Fujima Sayû) to bring Vancouver audiences two evenings of the art of odori - kabuki dance.

Do not miss this rare chance to see dances from the kabuki theatre performed in full costume wig and make-up!

There is a free lecture-demo on kabuki dance on April 9 at 7:30pm.

There will also be workshops, a display of kabuki ukiyoe (woodblock prints) and a series of talks and lectures. Please check the TomoeArts website soon for a complete list of events or contact info@tomoearts.org.


Tickets prices are $25/$20 seniors/$15 students.

To purchase call the Theatre at UBC box office: 604.822.2678.
Theatre at UBC website: www.theatre.ubc.ca