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 On
November 22nd, as part of the events
commemorating the 150th anniversary of
U.S.-Japan relations, a panel discussion
featuring Director Amon Miyamoto and Pulitzer
Prize-winning historian Dr. John Dower of MIT (a
specialist in modern Japanese history) was held
at the Martin E. Segal Theatre Center of the
Graduate Center, CUNY. Columbia University
Professor of Japanese history Carol Gluck was
the moderator. The panelists discussed the first
encounters between Japanese and Americans in
1853, when Commodore Perry and his Black Ships
arrived in Uraga.
Despite the rain, approximately 350 guests
attended. After Ambassador Ando greeted the
guests and delivered his opening remarks, a
musical segment from the Broadway revival of
Stephen Sondheim's "Pacific Overtures" was
performed on piano. Guests had the rare
opportunity to hear a piece from the musical ten
days before opening night.
After Professor Gluck introduced the panelists,
Prof. Dower talked about the historic encounters
between Japan and the U.S. and Mr. Miyamoto
shared his experiences directing "Pacific
Overtures". They both used the screen behind
them to give a visual presentation; Prof. Dower
presented a fascinating visual narrative of
historic images and Mr. Miyamoto explained his
staging of Pacific Overtures through pictures.
After the discussion, a question and answer
session was held. The guests were clearly
intrigued by Mr. Miyamoto, an extremely
articulate speaker, and by Prof. Dower's
fascinating historical explanations. Their
quick-witted remarks and stories repeatedly drew
loud applause from the audience.
Guests were treated to a reception in the lobby
outside the auditorium, following the panel
discussion. It included a partial exhibition of
MIT's "Black Ships and Samurai" project, a
visual presentation of records and artwork from
the early encounters between Japanese and
Americans.
"Pacific Overtures" is the first Broadway
musical directed by a Japanese person. But the
reason it is receiving such attention is because
it is a critically acclaimed musical of the
highest quality. The Consulate General of Japan
hopes it will prove a great success since this
wonderful production arrives during the 150th
anniversary year.
Please visit
http://www.roundabouttheatre.org/
for more information about the musical or to
purchase tickets.
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