For one-night only, Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) in partnership with Japan Society, New York present Nihon Buyo (literally “Japanese Dance”), an elegant, refined art form performed by artists skillfully trained in kabuki dance.
This presentation will feature dance pieces Toba-e and Boléro, along with performances by Japanese musicians playing traditional Japanese instruments.
Toba-e is a charming comedic work in the style of kabuki dance, based on the animal-centric Japanese caricatures of the same name. Boléro is a riveting new dance set to French composer Maurice Rovel’s score, retelling the heartbreaking and vengeful legend of Anchin and Kiyohime. Expertly choregraphed by esteemed Hanayagi Genkuro, the works will offer a unique insight in Japanese culture and deliver indelible, ravishing images featuring esteemed performers.
Prior to making its Texas debut, NIHON BUYO in the 21st Century will be presented in New York at Japan Society and in Washington, D.C. at The Kennedy Center.
Tickets are available for purchase starting on December 11 at 10:00AM CST through The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. JASH members receive a $10 discount with code.
Click the button below to learn more and purchase:
The January 24th performance at Japan Society, New York has been featured as a Critic’s Pick in The New York Times.
“If you have to watch another dance to ‘Boléro,’ this one, at least, is full of drama, danger and brittle, seething anger. As the music builds so does Kiyohime’s rage, which Tokuyo illuminates with icy solemnity as the fire of passion is turned into despair and, ultimately, revenge.”
“Kiyohime, rooted and fierce, stands her ground as a bell sounds, washing away the Ravel and making room for a subtler sensation: This is one eerie ‘Boléro.’”
-Gia Kourlas, The New York Times
Read the full review by clicking the button below:
The North American tour of Nihon Buyo in the 21st Century is produced and organized by Japan Society, New York, NY, and is supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan through the Japan Arts Council, The JEC Fund, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
This program is part of Houston’s celebration of the U.S.-Japan Tourism Year 2024.
This performance of NIHON BUYO in the 21st Century: From Kabuki Dance to Boléro is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.
Performed in Japanese with English supertitles.
The cast in the photo differs from the program.