Project Overview

Since its establishment in 2014, the Japan Foundation Asia Center has been conducting and supporting collaborative cultural exchange programs with its Asian—primarily ASEAN—counterparts.

One of National Theatre Okinawa’s stated purposes is to promote “exchange with the Asia-Pacific region through traditional performing arts.” As part of this effort, performances have been held of the “Performing Arts in Asia and Pacific” series annually since the theatre opened to the public.

In partnership with the Japan Foundation Asia Center, National Theatre Okinawa is sponsoring the “Bringing Asia together through Intangible Cultural Heritage” project with the goal of utilizing traditional performing arts to build a network in Asia-Pacific region.

Performing arts from participating countries

Programs

〇Module 1: Video Release

Videos will be produced introducing representative examples of traditional performing arts in participating countries and regions to facilitate a more profound understanding of each counterpart’s performing arts and culture.

① Introduction to Performing Arts Series

Short videos will be produced presenting synopses of performing arts as well as efforts underway encouraging future generations to carry on these traditions.

②Appreciating Performing Arts Series

Longer videos will be produced so that viewers may have the opportunity to appreciate noteworthy performances of traditional performing arts.

The videos will be released on the National Theatre Okinawa’s website and official YouTube channel. All videos will be subtitled. The subtitles may be turned on or off using the YouTube default setting for captions.

On February 1, 2022, the first module will be released featuring videos of traditional Okinawan musical theater Kumiodori. The series will continue with soon to be released videos spotlighting performing arts of other participating countries.

〇Module 2: Round Table Discussion

A round table discussion will be held featuring researchers and actual performers of traditional performing arts in the participating countries and regions who will discuss and exchange their views of counterparts’ performance arts. 

Round table talk:

Date/Time: February 9, 2022 (Wed) at 6:30 p.m. (Venue opens at 6:00 p.m.)

Venue : National Theatre Okinawa  4-14-1 Jitchaku, Urasoe City, Okinawa, Japan

Speakers:

・Moderator   ：FUKUOKA Shota (Professor, National Museum of Ethnology)

・Okinawa     ：KAKAZU Michihiko (Artistic Director, National Theatre Okinawa Management Foundation)

                                KINJO Shinji (Artistic Advisor, National Theatre Okinawa Management Foundation)

・India　　　：Gopal Venu (Founder and Chairman, Natanakairali)

                                Kapila Venu (Executive Director, Natanakairali)

・Indonesia   ：Endo Suanda (Director, Lembaga Pendidikan Seni Nusantara (LPSN)) 

・Thailand     ：Suksanti Wangwan (Assistant Professor, Bunditpatanasilpa Institute (an Institute operated by the Thai Ministry of Culture))

・Vietnam  　：Hoang Trong Cuong (Vice Chairman, Hue Traditional Royal Theatre of Art) 

・Malaysia  　：Eddin Khoo (Founder, PUSAKA)

〇Round table talk Video Archive