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A lecture by Theater Director, Amon Miyamoto, was held at the residence of the Consul General of Japan, Ambassador Sakurai on Tuesday May 8th.
From the end of 2004 to the beginning of 2005, Mr. Miyamoto directed "Pacific Overtures," and became the first Asian ever to direct a Broadway musical. The story of "Pacific Overtures" takes place in Japan, when four ominous Western ships arrived on the shores of the country. The musical depicts the manner in which Japan opened itself to foreign trade, how its people and culture were influenced by no longer existing as an isolated country and the transition of Japan into an economic powerhouse. The New York media, including the New York Times, provided a large amount of press coverage for this musical and contributed to the introduction of Japanese culture in the New York region.
The lecture was held mainly for intellectuals and people involved in culture and art in New York. Mr. Miyamoto, joking at times, talked about his personal background and how he began his career in stage. He spoke about the obstacles and achievements in musicals and operas by Japanese directors as well as the differences and similarities among people all over the world in their interpretations of various pieces of work and scenes.
With a panel, Mr. Miyamoto explains highlights of his new opera.
One of the highlights of the evening was the attendance of Mr. Tojuro Sakata, who in 1994 was appointed as a Living National Treasure of Japan. Mr. Sakata was in New York for a Kabuki performance at the 100th Anniversary Japan Society Dinner Gala, which was held the next day.
Ambassador Sakurai briefly announced Mr. Miyamoto’s future activities, which includes a new performance at the Santa Fe Opera this summer and a new musical at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. next February.
Center left: Mr. Mr. Tojuro Sakata, Center right: Mr. Amon Miyamoto
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