“Power and Folly: Japanese (Kyogen) Satire For The 21st Century”

WHO/WHAT: The University of Hawai‘i at Manoa’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents its Mainstage Season finale, “Power and Folly: Japanese Satire for the 21st Century,” performed in the 600-year-old comedic form of kyogen. The show is directed by Professor Julie A. Iezzi, in collaboration with three visiting master kyogen artists from Japan.
The performances will be comprised of two traditional kyogen pieces and one world premiere featuring contemporary themes. The first piece, “Two Great Lords” is the story of two feudal lords who are outwitted by a passerby. The second is the English-language premiere of “Two Mountain Priests,” written by guest kyogen artist Doji Shigeyama. Rival mountain priests try to out-do one another in a whimsical contest of prayer. The world premiere of “Derailed,” written by UHM Ph.D. candidate Matthew Kelty, is set on O‘ahu and shines a satirical light on the folly of the Honolulu rail project and its impact on the island and its people.
WHEN/WHERE: Friday and Saturday, April 14, 15, 21 and 22, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 22, at 2 p.m. at Bakken Auditorium, Mid-Pacific Institute (because Kennedy Theatre is being renovated).
COST: $25/regular; $22/seniors, military, UH faculty and staff; $20/UHAA members; $15/students and $8/UH Manoa students with valid ID. Tickets are available online at etickethawaii.com, by phone at (808) 944-2697 and at participating outlets and the Kennedy Theatre box office (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., during show weeks with extended hours on performance dates).