Shogun Macbeth Returns to Pan Asian Rep in NYC, Opening Nov. 12
By Kenneth Jones
12 Nov 2008
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Shogun Macbeth's Kaipo Schwab and Rosanne Ma
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| photo by Corky Lee | Off-Broadway's Pan Asian Repertory Theatre launches its 32nd season with the Nov. 12 opening of Shogun Macbeth, a revival of a popular past title for the company. The John R. Briggs adaptation of the play by William Shakespeare was presented by the troupe 20 years ago.
Previews began Nov. 4 at The Julia Miles Theater on West 55th Street.
Ernest Abuba (who played the title role originally) directs what's billed as "a cultural transmutation" that "channels Shakespeare's tragic tale of power and greed to the feudal military dictatorship of 12th century Japan (Kamakura Period), a time of warring clans."
In the visually arresting staging "the three witches are 'Yojos' — creatures with spiritual and supernatural powers. While incorporating the classical Japanese art forms of Noh and Kyogen, Shogun Macbeth retains Shakespeare's language and historical medieval period."
Japanese movement is by Sachiyo Ito. The creative team includes set designer Charlie Corcoran, costume designer Carol Pelletier, lighting designer Victor En Yu Tan, fight choreographer Michael G. Chin and stage manager Elis C. Arroyo.
Performances continue to Dec. 7.
The cast features Kaipo Schwab from Hawaii, who is making his Pan Asian debut as Macbeth, and Rosanne Ma, Keoni Scott, Marcus Ho, Tom Matsusaka, Ron Nakahara, Ken Park, Shigeko Suga, Calvin Ahn, Claro Austria, Claro de los Reyes, Ariel Estrada, Emi F Jones, Nadia Gan, Yoko Hyun and Sacha Iskra.
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Adapter Briggs specializes in adaptations of classics, including Julio Cesar, The Cowboy Comedy of Errors and for Pan Asian Rep Shogun Macbeth and Doll's House.
Abuba is a veteran actor, director and playwright. He appeared on Broadway in Loose Ends and in the original Pacific Overtures. He won an Obie Award for his role in Yellow Fever at Pan Asian Rep where he is a senior artist with over 20 shows as actor, director and playwright. Abuba has been on the Sarah Lawrence theatre faculty for 13 years.
Pan Asian Rep's artistic director is Tisa Chang.
Shogun Macbeth will play Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 PM with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $50. Julia Miles Theatre is located at 424 W. 55th Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues.
For tickets visit www.telecharge.com or call (212) 239-6200.
For more information visit www.PanAsianRep.org.
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Founded in 1977, Pan Asian Rep "is the pioneer producer of Asian American theatre east of the Rockies, with a full New York season Off-Broadway, training programs, international and national touring and workshops." Pan Asian Rep "has celebrated the artistic expressiveness of Asian American theatre artists with the highest standards of professional theatre. The company encourages production of new plays with contemporary Asian American themes, explores new forms by drawing upon the unique heritage of Asian American style, music and movement and nurtures emerging Asian American talent. Pan Asian Rep continues to bring Asian American Theatre to the general theatre-going public and deepen their appreciation and understanding of the Asian American cultural heritage."
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Emi F. Jones, Shigeko Suga and Claro Austria in Shogun Macbeth
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| photo by Corky Lee |
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