Contributed by Carla Swick
Cinema Kabuki’s “Kagamijishi - Lion Dance”
1/21/2017 – 1PM
Cinema Kabuki
Valley Cinema, Wasilla
FREE Event
If you are interested in Japanese culture, music, or theater but don’t have the money to fly to Japan, then here is your chance to immerse yourself right here in Alaska for free. On Saturday, January 21st there will be a free screening of Cinema Kabuki’s “Kagamijishi - Lion Dance” at Valley Cinema in Wasilla. The film event will begin at 1 pm and includes special Japanese music by the UAA String Club.
Kabuki is classical Japanese dance-drama, known for the stylization of its drama, impressive stage sets and for the elaborate make-up and costumes worn by its performers. Cinema Kabuki offers English speakers the experience of full-scale Kabuki performances on the big screen with English subtitles, by some of Japan's biggest stars. High-definition (HD) images and 6-channel sound highlight the authenticity of Kabuki.
There are only three screening in the entire U.S., so this is a very unique and special opportunity for Alaskans. Valley students and citizens have had a strong connection and friendship with Japan for decades. Palmer and Saroma, on the island of Hokkaido, have been sister cities since 1980. This friendship began through Ham Radio conversations between Ed Holmes and Hiro Ishiguro. Wasilla and Uchiko, on the island of Shikoku, became official sister cities in 2015, thanks to the legacy of Jujiro Wada, an Iditarod Trail pioneer. Wasilla High School and Takefu Higashi High School, on the island of Honshu, have been sister schools since 1997.
Japanese language classes are offered at Palmer High School, Colony High School, Wasilla High School and the Mat-Su College. Kabuki Cinema will be a great way to celebrate Japanese culture and bring old friends and new friends together. Please save the date and consider attending!
A special thanks to all the sponsors who made this screening possible:
• Japan Foundation, Los Angeles - Provided the movie at no charge.
• Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage - Provided liaison with Japan and the Japan Foundation on showing the film.
• Coming Attractions Theatres, Valley Cinema - Provided the venue.
• Shochiku Co. Ltd. - Produced the movie.
• AK Association of Teachers of Japanese - Provided logistical support.
• Palmer Saroma Kai - Worked to bring the movie to Alaska; provided logistical support and promotion.
There are 230 general admission seats; tickets will be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. We hope to see you there!
Photo credit: Shochiku Co. Ltd.
Contact: Carla Swick 907-775-0807 or carla.swick@matsuk12.us
