Free lectures to accompany Cinema Kabuki at the Scotiabank Theatre

by Chris MaGee

As we reported a couple weeks back Shochiku's Cinema Kabuki will be returning to the Scotiabank Theatre here in Toronto between November 11th and 15th. If the opportunity of seeing five kabuki plays filmed in high-performance HD and backed up with surround sound doesn't get you excited enough now there's news that The Japan Foundation will be offering a free lecture on Thursday, November 5th at 6:30 PM. Moderated by Japan Foundation Program Officer Toshi Aoyagi and given by art curator and founder of Toronto Japanese Paper Place Nancy Jacobi the two part lecture will give a background into kabuki and two of the plays featured in the exclusive engagement of Cinema Kabuki.

The first part of the 2-hour lecture "A Family Repertoire Passed Down Over Generations" covers both the on stage and off stage father/son relationships in the play "Triple Lion Dance", while the second part, "Passion in the Weeping Cherry Blossom" will explore the gorgeous kimono patterns featured in "Dojoji: A Lover's Duet" (above). To RSVP for this free lecture all you have to do is head over to the Japan Foundation's website here or call (416) 966-1600, ext:103.