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Zenshinza to bring two Kabuki Classics: "Chatsubo" and "Narukami"

The Kyogen "Chatsubo" by Zenshinza Theatre Company of Japan. (Courtesy of the company)

Zenshinza Theatre Company, Japan's foremost repertory theatre ensemble, will make its highly anticipated U.S. debut at the Aratani Japan America Theatre in Los Angeles on Nov. 5-7.

Established by two of the greatest Kabuki actors of the early 20th century, Zenshinza performs legendary classics as well as dazzling contemporary works, all in the 400-year-old tradition of the Kabuki theatre.

In Narukami (1724), one of the 18 greatest kabuki plays, and which is presented in the aragoto (heroic) style, a fiery priest captures the dragon rain god and brings drought to Japan.

This classic play highlights the superhuman strength and valor of the kabuki hero. Chatsubo (The Tea Jar) features a country bumpkin who meets with the challenges of a wily thief and a scheming magistrate. This dance dramatization of the kyogen farce by the same title provides a light-hearted counterpoint to the more serious drama.

Zenshinza will also be performing Honen and Shinran (2006), a powerful historical drama written by Tajima Sakae. Commemorating the 800th anniversary of the death of Honen Shonin and the 750th memorial anniversary of his student, Shinran Shonin, this powerful drama depicts the upheaval of 13th century Japan and two priests who opened a path to freedom.

Having broken from monastic traditions to found a lay ministry, and having established the most widely practiced form of Buddhism in Japan today, Honen and Shinran are often compared with Calvin and Luther.

Two Kabuki Classics- Narukami & Chatsubo: Friday, November 5, 8pm; Saturday, November 6, 1pm.

Honen and Shinran: Saturday, November 6, 8pm; Sunday, November 7, 1pm.

Tickets are $48/$60/$72/$86. To order or for more information, visit the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center website at www.jaccc.org, or call the JACCC Box Office at (213) 680-3700.

The U.S. premiere tour of Zenshinza Theatre Company is produced by the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, and supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of the government of Japan in the fiscal year 2010.

Historical drama "Honen & Shinran" by Zenshinza Theatre Company of Japan. (Courtesy of the company)