Japan America Theater
244 S San Pedro St
Los Angeles CA 90012
Blaine and I will debut a new piece for pitched shime and ceramic bowls, "Resolution", Yuta and Julia perform Miyake/Hachijo, and we'll pound and eat mochi. I'm excited about this show!
From the venue...
For its 36th anniversary, Kotohajime, JACCC's signature New Year celebration, will welcome 2019 and celebrate the Year of the Boar. Curated by Master Artist in Residence, Hirokazu Kosaka.
Every January, Little Tokyo becomes the center for celebrating the Japanese New Year in Southern California, with JACCC heading up the festivities with programs that invigorate the spirit and imagination. For its 36th Kotohajime, JACCC’s signature New Year celebration welcomes 2019 and celebrates the Year of the Boar. Curated by Master Artist in Residence, Hirokazu Kosaka, Kotohajime features stunning performances and live music, including ritual shooting of the arrow, breaking the sake barrel, and traditional and contemporary dance and performances. 2019 artists include special guests Arugakki (Taiko group), Tetsuya Nakamura (Harmonica player), Ken Aiso (Violinist), and Matsumae Kai (Traditional Folk musicians). The ritual shooting of the arrow—a purification ceremony – will be performed by IKKYU of the Los Angeles Kyudo Archery Group.
Resolution (debut)
Miyake / Hachijo
Labor Savour mochitsuki
I'm frequently frustrated by the pomp and complexity of theater production. Can't we just play music?! But Mr Kosaka and Wakana-san's vision for Kotohajime -- the snow falling as musicians make their way to the festival, arrows streaking across the stage -- is so compelling, I'm lifted from my humbug default and get excited to push through the challenges.