The work of Osamu Tezuka forms the basis of new multi-media dance performance

by Chris MaGee

We're used to seeing manga and anime get adapted into live-action films. Hell,these kind of projects are one of the pillars of the Japanese film industry! Take just one example, the works of manga and anime "god" Osamu Tezuka (above right). Tezuka's work -- which includes such iconic characters as Astro Boy, Black Jack and Kimba the White Lion -- have formed the basis for dozens and dozens of TV and big screen adaptations. One kind of adaptation you don't see every day though is from the manga page to the dance stage, but if anyone's work should be honoured in such a unique way it has to be Tezuka.

According to a report posted at Cinematoday.jp "TeZuka", a new "music, dance, and multimedia" stage show will be premiering at the Sadler Wells Theater in London on September 6th. Choreographed by Belgian dancer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, the show will be "a blend of tradition, science fiction and contemporary reality" all based around the work of Osamu Tezuka. The cast will be comprised of nine dancers, two musicians, a live calligrapher and actors. Once "TeZuka" finishes it its week-long run in London it will go on to open at Tokyo's Bunkamura Orchard Hall on February 23rd. Japanese dancer Miki Moriyama (above left) will be appearing in that production.

Very interesting stuff, especially for fans of manga and anime. Also, a heads up that if you catch the September 9th performance of "TeZuka" in London you will also get to take in a talk being given by noted anime and manga scholar Helen McCarthy. Thanks to Astroboy World for additional details on this story.