The Olympics are as much about cultural exchange as they are about sports. In that spirit, the organizers of the upcoming Nagano Olympics have scheduled an unusually large number of theater, music and art exhibitions. Some of the theatrical highlights:

HOUJIN-KAI CULTURAL PERFORMANCE WASEN-RYU WORLD OF KYOGEN
A mix of traditional Japanese kyogen plays as well as some fusion kyogen drawing on western theater such as Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Feb. 12, Nagano Kenmin Cultural Center For more information, call (026)227-00

TRADITIONAL PERFORMING ARTS OF INA-DANI
This 2 part show will have Oojika Kabuki and Ningyou Jooruri (traditional forms of Japanese puppetry).
Feb. 14, Kitano Bungeiza For more information, call (0265)23-3552 or (0265)39-2001

SONGS AND BALLET - ANDREW LLOYD-WEBBER MUSICAL CONCERT AND BALLET GALA PERFORMANCE
The 1st part will be a concert of various songs by composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber and the 2nd part is a ballet performance by those who have won awards at the Rosanne International Ballet Competition.
Feb 13, Nagano Kenmin Cultural Center
Feb. 15, Nagano Matsumoto Cultural Center
For more information, call (026)225-1884

NAGANO OLYMPICS NOH
This performance includes NOH Hagoromo, Kyogen Fukunoshin and Han-Noh Ishibashi. Feb 15, Nagano Kenmin Cultural Center
For more information, call (026)292-4189 WARABI-ZA SPECIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE NAGANO OLYMPICS FESTIVAL OF THE LIVES
Traditional Japanese music and dance
Feb 16, Nagano Matsumoto Cultural Center
Feb. 17, Nagano Kenmin Cultural Canter
For more information, call (026)236-3366

SHOCHIKU KABUKI DANCE
Feb. 18, Nagano Kenmin Cultural Center
Feb. 19, Nagano Kenmin Cultural Center
For more information, call (026)224-5082

RYUKYU DANCE PERFORMANCE
A performance of traditional Okinawan dance.
Feb. 11, Nagano Central Square
For more information, call (026)225-1884

--By Carter Witt
Japan Correspondent