Kabuki Performs at JapanFest This Weekend!

Kabuki will be performed for the first time at JapanFest this weekend. Kabuki is a form of traditional Japanese theater that is a rich blend of music, dance, spectacular staging and costuming. Kabuki theater has been a major theatrical form in Japan for almost four centuries. The critically acclaimed theater group Miyabiya will be travelling all the way from the land of the rising sun to perform "Two Lions," one of the most famous pieces in Kabuki theater.

Set on a holy mountain in China, a mythological lion-cub must endure the rigorous training of his father in order to grow into a strong and courageous lion. Does he have what it takes to become the “King of the Beasts?” With a combination of family, love, courage, and comedy , Miyabiya Theater will entertain audiences!

As one of the most famous Kabuki pieces by Kawatake Mokuami, the last great Kabuki playwright, performers face high expectations in making their show both accurate and extravagant. Mr. Yukimasa Futamura, producer and director of “KABUKI, MIYABIYA” does just that with his performance company. Futamura is known for slipping into a 44-pound lion costume and wig to entertain audiences!

Here's a taste: Kabuki preview

Become a part of Kabuki! This year’s JapanFest provides the opportunity to be painted in real Kabuki makeup!

In addition to Kabuki, come to JapanFest and experience the culture of Japan through a myriad of musical performances, martial arts demonstrations, food, fashion, anime, and more! Celebrating its 30th year, the JapanFest will be held Sep. 17 and 18, in the Infinite Energy Center, 64oo Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA, 30097.

Sep. 17: 10am-6pm

Sep. 18:10am-5pm

Tickets are $10. Children age six or younger free. Purchase tickets online at www.japanfest.org and avoid the lines. No pets other than guide dogs are allowed inside the convention center. For more information, call 404-842-0736 or visit www.japanfest.org.

Sponsors:

Platinum-Delta Air Lines; Gold-Aflac Incorporated; The Coca-Cola Company; Silver-FisherBroyles, LLP; Kumon North America, Inc; TV Japan/NHK Cosmomedia America, Inc; WSB-TV Channel 2; Bronze-American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Power Equipment Division; Georgia Asian Times; Georgia Power; LeafFilterTM; Miura America Co. Ltd; MomoCon LLC; Petitte Engineering LLC; PriceWaterhouse Coopers; Sapporo USA, Inc; OQTA Inc; Temple University, Japan Campus; TOTO USA Inc; Fuji-Dexerials America Corporation; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Inside Gwinnett Magazine; Panasonic Automotive Systems, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A; Sakura-Atlanta Parent Magazine; Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC; Ernst & Young LLP; Global Atlanta; Gwinnett Daily Post; Holiday Inn Gwinnett Center; Creative Loafing; Honda Precision Parts of Georgia, LLC; KPMG; Toppan Printing Co. Ltd; Ume-Atlanta Braves, Machida Family of Duluth; Other Contributors-Consulate General of Japan; Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership; Kennesaw State University; Chopstix for Charity, NAAAP Atlanta Chapter