The Nippon Ginkenshibu Foundation and Asian Improv aRts Midwest-Tsukasa Taiko present “Ginkenshibu 50th Anniversary Live Collaboration with Tsukasa Taiko,” directed by Risho Hayabuchi, at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Sunday, July 29 at 5 p.m. This free, exquisite hour-long performance uniting Gin-ei (a type of Asian poetry) with Japanese drum and traditional performing arts features a cast of more than 50 singers and dancers and is presented in honor of the Nippon Ginkenshibu Foundation’s 50th Anniversary.
Ginkenshibu is a collective term for the traditional Japanese performing arts “Gin-ei” (recitation of classical Chinese and Japanese poetry). “Recite the poem, then dance,” is the philosophy behind this exquisite art form.
The Nippon Ginkenshibu Foundation was established in 1968 with the aim of popularizing and promoting Gin-ei, Ken-bu and Shi-bu as traditional performing arts developed at various points in Japanese history and nurtured as examples of Japanese traditions. Ken-bu involves stylized movements derived from ancient martial arts. Basic actions, such as the way the swords are carried (paired swords), held and moved bear the influence of techniques and etiquette used in swordsmanship and combative technique. Shi-bu is another dance performed to Gin-ei, the difference being that the main hand prop is a fan. For more information about the Nippon Ginkenshibu Foundation, visit ginkenshibuusa.org.
Tsukasa Taiko, a program of Asian Improv aRts Midwest and a resident at Japanese American Service Committee of Chicago, offers taiko drum instruction, education and performances. Tsukasa Taiko’s mission is to preserve, develop and pass on the traditional concepts of Japanese art and cultural legacy, to instill an appreciation for artistic excellence, and utilize these concepts in expanding and evolving the taiko drumming art form. As an active performing group, Tsukasa performs more than 50 shows a year, both locally and internationally. For more information about Tsukasa Taiko and Asian Improv aRts Midwest, visit asianimprovartsmw.org.
The Nippon Ginkenshibu Foundation, and Asian Improv aRts Midwest-Tsukasa Taiko present “Ginkenshibu 50th Anniversary Live Collaboration with Tsukasa Taiko” at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), 220 E. Chicago Ave., Sunday, July 29 at 5 p.m. Admission is free but tickets are required. To order tickets go to ginkenshibuusa.org.
In advance of the Sunday, July 29 performance, there will be a workshop and reception showcasing Japanese Samurai sword and fan dancing techniques at the Consulate-General of Japan, 737 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. #1000, Saturday, July 28 at 4 p.m. This event is free. For more information visit ginkenshibuusa.org.
