| Sachiyo Ito & Company | | |
| 405 West 23rd Street Suite 4G | Tel/Fax: (212) 627-0265 | |
| New York NY 10011 | www.dancejapan.com |
Immediate Release
Based on Hoichi, the Earless by Lafcadio Hearn
Directed and Choreographed by Sachiyo Ito
The 10th Year Anniversary Concert of Salon Series
Sunday May 25, 2008 at 3pm and 8pm
Tenri Cultural Institute, 43A West 13th Street, between 5th& 6th Avenue, NYC
Ticket: $20 Advance Sale SmartTix: 212-868-4444; $25 at the Door
Contact Information: Sachiyo Ito and Company 212-627-0265
Contact Person: Sachiyo Ito
For the last 10 years Sachiyo Ito and Company has offered the Salon Series, a series of informative and educational lectures, lecture-demonstrations and performances aimed at those who are interested in deepening their knowledge of the performing arts of Japan, three times a year on Sunday afternoons at Tenri Cultural Institute, New York City. The unique combination of education and entertainment inspired NY audiences artistically and intellectually, and has served as resources for the Japanese culture and arts.
2008 marks the 10th year of the Salon Series and the Company is celebrating with special programs and guests artists. An Anniversary Concert, Sound of Emptiness, will be performed on May 24th and 25th. This evening-length dance-drama will combine poetry, music, and dance. The work is based on a short story entitled, “Mimi-nashi Hoichi,” written by Lafcadio Hearn in his masterpiece collection, Kwaidan (Ghost Stories). It is the re-telling of a folk tale in which a blind biwa player, Hoichi, unprotected by the Buddhist sutra, Prajńāpāramitā Heart Sutra, loses his ears. Inspired by the teaching of Prajńāpāramitā, the theme serves to recognize that human perception is relative and in constant flux. Even though perception is the first step toward understanding, duality and self-righteousness often lead to conflicts, and even destruction. Sound of Emptiness asks the audience to understand these undeniable aspects of human nature, and contemplate as to how we can resolve them in order to bring about a more peaceful world. The poems, recited by a chorus with live music, will weave through the fantastical dance drama. Audiences will be invited to join in a walking meditation at the closing of the dance drama.
“Then order was restored and the audience was invited to join the cast in a meditative walk on stage. Most accepted, stepping serenely while guided by the sounds of a gong and a bell. The unhurried progress became a pilgrimage into peace.”
( New York Times)