Free Art Film Festival
KOBE June 4 - 25
 Beauty
and truth is the theme of this festival wherein the movies of 16
film directors whose work encapsulates this theme are shown. Films
from the forties, fifties, sixties and seventies and from various
countries will be screened covering a wide interpretation of the
concept of beauty and truth.
Times Merican, Kobe Maritime Museum
Getting there: 15mins walk from JR Motomachi station
Tel: 078-322-6476
June 4
10:30 Il Vangelo secondo Matteo (1964) by
Piers Paolo Pasolini. (Italy)
13:30 Hangmen Also Die (1943) by Fritz Lang. (America)
16:00 Aguirre: The Wrath of God (1972) by Werner Herzog.
(German)
19:15 The Housemaid (1960/1) by Kim Giyon (South Korea)
June 11
10:30 Pather Panchali (1955) by Satyajit
Ray (India)
13:30 Le Fantôme de la liberté (1974) by Luis
Buñuel (France)
16:00 Viskningar och rop (Cries and whispers, 1972) by Ingmar
Bergman (Sweden)
19:15 Five Easy Pieces (1970) by Bob Rafelson
June 18
10:30 Ordet (1955) by Carl Theodor Dreyer
(Denmark)
13:30 Sound Movement and Light (2004) by Masahiro Tsuchihachi
(Japan)
17:00 Colour of Pomegranate (Zakura no iro, 1971) by Sergei
Paradianov (Russia)
19:15 Pyaasa (Thirsty, 1957) by Guru Dutt (India)
June 25
10:30 Floating Weed (1959) by Ozu Yasujiro
(Japan)
13:30 Six short animation films by Yuri Norstein (Russia)
16:00 Vidas Secas (Barren Lives,1963)Nelson Pereira dos Santos
(Brazil)
19:15 Offret (1986) Andrei Tarkovsky (France/Sweden)
Disney Musical Aida
KYOTO Jun 7- Aug 28
You don't usually associate Disney with opera,
but since Disney Theatrical productions was formed in 1994 and the
company's first stage musical, Beauty and the Beast opened to applause
and acclaim it seemed only a matter of time before they would broaden
their horizon further in the musical industry. Wanting a drama that
would appeal to a wider audience, especially the baby boom generation
who grew up tuned in to rock music, Verdi's classic opera Aida was
chosen to fit the bill. To give the 'modern touch' to this story
set in ancient Egypt, British music knights Elton John and Tim Rice
were called in.
Aida is the story of an ill-fated romantic triangle
between the soldier Ramades and the two women who love him, the
Egyptian princess Amneris and the enslaved Ethiopian princess Aida.
Even though there has been criticism that once again a classic work
is being Disneyfied, this musical has received four Tony Awards
and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.
Kyoto Gekijo
Time: Matinee 13:00 & 13:30 (not everyday),
Evening performance 18:30 (not everyday)
Getting there: Kyoto JR/Kintetsu Station
Entry: ¥2,100 - ¥11,550
Tel: 075-341-2360
Flute Recital
OSAKA June 12
 Sir
James Galway is one
of the world's leading classical flute players. His virtuosity on
the flute has earned him a knighthood and the nickname, the man
with the golden flute.
Sir James is a tireless promoter of the arts.
Before arriving in Japan he will have toured extensively in the
US, Canada and several European cities yet still finds the time
to fulfill his duties as president of Flutewise, a volunteer-based
nonprofit organization that donates instruments to low-income students
and young people with disabilities.
Sir James will perform pieces by Francis Poulenc,
Claude Debussy, Charles-Marie Widor, Gabriel Faure, Phillipe Gaubert,
and Paul Taffanel. The king of the flute appears regularly with
his wife, Lady Jeanne Galway, an accomplished flutist who plays
a
24-carat gold Muramatsu instrument. The flute duo will perform,
Hungarian Fantasy For Two Flutes and Piano, op.35 by Franz &
Karl Doppler. Phillip Moll, the American born pianist will accom-pany
them.
The Symphony Hall
Time: 14:00
Getting there: JR Fukushima station
Entry: ¥6,000, ¥8,000 (Available seats)
Tel: 06-6453-6000
Baroque Dance
OSAKA June 15
 Baroque
dance can be best described as a flashback to the court of Louis
XIV. This ancient court entertainment can be likened to the symmetry
and orderliness of Versailles Palace where nothing has been left
to chance, likewise all movements of this dance are strictly choreographed
remaining true (as far as possible) to historical accuracy. To the
music of Bach and the opera of John Baptiste Lully, George Keraghel
from France and Yuko Higuchi dressed in elaborate 17th century costume
are the dancers who will bring
to life the neat dotted rhythms, lockstep march time and graceful
arm-waving that so entertained Louis and his court over 325 years
ago.
The musicians will use period instruments. The
Flauto Traverso is played by Takashi Fujita, the Baroque violin
by Mutsumi Otsu, Violo da gamba by Yoshiko Nishimura, Cembalo by
Sakurako Mitsuhashi and Kanako Oe on percussion. Soprano is Eri
Takahashi.
The Phoenix Hall
Getting there: Kitashinchi station
Entry: ¥3,000 • Tel: 06-6363-7999
Events compiled by Mylene Oishi
Kansai Event Listings June
| June
1 - Sept. 30
Mama Mia!
"Mama mia here I go again, my, my how can I resist ya
...". It seems people simply can't resist this musical
with a disco beat, featuring 22 of Swedish singing sensation
Abba's greatest hits, including, Dancing Queen and The Winner
Takes It All. Music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn
Ulvaeus.
Shiki Theater Company
Time: Matinee performance at 13:00
& 13:30 (not everyday). Evening performance at 18:00 &
18:30 (not everyday). Mondays and special days closed to the
general public.
Getting there: Umeda station
Tel: 06-6343-7530
www.shiki.gr.jp
Throughout June
Hydrangea viewing
The rainy season is when the hydrangea or ajisai bloom in
their full glory. At Yata-dera, Known as the Temple of Hydran-geas,
visitors can see 8,000 plants of
60 different species. Good walking shoes are a must as the
temple is located half way up a mountain, but the sight of
these flowers in full bloom is stunning and makes the hike
well worth while.
Yata-dera Nara
Getting there: Bus No.20 from Kintetsu Koriyama station
Entry: ¥400
Tel: 0743-53-1445
June 5
Barefoot Concert
Kotobikihama Beach, literally translated means, harp-playing
beach. It derives its quaint name from the fact that it is
comprised of nakisuna, a unique sand that makes a musical
sound when you walk on it. It is here that an annual clean-up
activity takes place to promote environmental consciousness
and conservation. Besides the clean up concerts, and beach
marathon are also planned. The concert is not free, the trash
you pick up on the beach is your concert ticket so don't go
empty-handed.
Kotobikihama Beach in Amino-cho, Kyotango City Osaka
Getting there: From Amino station on the KTR line, 15mins
bus ride to Kakezu, then 10mins walk
Tel: 0772-69-0713
June 10
Viva! Flamenco
See three super star flamenco dancers who have gained worldwide
recognition for their artistic interpretation of this Spanish
art perform. Antonio Canales, Antonio Marquez and Joaquin
Grilo. Flamenco exists in three forms, Cante
the song, Baile the dance and Guitarra, guitar playing. See
it all in action. OLE!
Osaka Koseinenkin Kaikan
Time: 14:00 & 18:30
Getting there: 7mins walk from exit 22/23 of Honmachi station
Entry: ¥8,000, ¥10,000
Tel: 06-6762-6130
June 11&12
Teatro di San Carlo, Naples
This theatre is said to be the oldest working theatre in Europe.
Since 1999 the Teatro di San Carlo has been a private foundation
whose aim is the diffusion of music and the training of artistic
cadres. Performed in Italian
with Japanese subtitles.
Biwako Hall, Shiga
6/11: Luisa Miller, 6/12: Il Travatore
Time: 14:00
Getting there: 5mins from Otsu station
Entry: ¥9,000-¥58,000
Z 077-523-7136
www.biwako-hall.or.jp
June 14
Soprano Recital
Soprano, Chikako Watanabe will give a recital titled, Utsukushi
Shirabe or beau-tiful melody. A versatile singer, Watanabe
will perform pieces from Handel, Verdi and others.
Izumi Hall, Osaka
Time: 19:00. Entry: ¥5,000
Getting there: 3mins from Osaka-Jo Koen
Tel: 06-6944-1188
June 13
Barodin String Quartet
Rueben Aharonian and Andei Abramenkov on violin, Igor Naidin
on viola and Valentin Berlinsky on cello. The quartet all
the way from Moscow will perform Beethoven, Schubert and Shostakovitch
The Phoenix Hall, Osaka
Time: 19:00
Getting there: Kitashinchi station
Entry: ¥5,000 (Discount for students)
Tel: 06-6363-7999
June 17
Business Show Osaka
This show will feature an exhibition of office equipment and
there will be demonstrations of how office equipment works,
information processing, information communication apparatus,
software, systems and services. The focus of the conference
and seminar planned is for information sharing. 15th and 16th
are only for guests who have made advanced reservations.
Intex Osaka
Time: 10:00-17:00
Getting there: Nanko Cosmos Square
Entry: Free
June 25
Global Stage II
Through video, slides and music Norihiko Kuwayama will convey
the many events happening around the world that have changed,
influenced and touched people's lives, especially the lives
of children. Thailand, Cambodia, Iraq are some of the countries
to be portrayed. Organized by the Global Citizens Forum Nara.
Todaiji Kinsho Kaikan
Time: 18:00
Getting there: Bus or walk from Kintetsu Nara station to Todai-ji
Entry: ¥1,000, ¥1,500 at the door. Children ¥500
Tel: 0742-20-5027
naranpocenter@k.8.dion.ne.jp
June 25
Magic and Illusion
Princess Tenko is one of the best-known magicians and illusionists
in Japan. Her Houdini-like ability to escape fiery car crashes
and vanish from suspended cable cars has captivated audiences
in Japan. She is so popular that there is a syndicated TV
cartoon titled, Princess Tenko and the Guardians of Magic.
Now you see her, now you don't. Her shows have been described
as full of mystery, intrigue, magic and illusion.
Lovely Hall, Osaka
Time: 14:30 & 18:00
Getting there: Kawachinagano station
Entry: ¥3,500, ¥5,000
Tel: 0721-56-6100
Late June to early
July
Hydrangea Walking in the Forest
The hydrangea is a symbol of Kobe.
Visitors can participate in a quiz, rally and guided tour
by park staff during this season when the flowers are at their
best.
Kobe Municipal Arboretum, Kita-ku
Getting there: Complimentary shuttle service from Kita-Suzurandai
Station
on the Kobe Railway or bus No.25 to Shinrin Shokubutsu-en
(Bus service is only available during this season.)
Tel: 078-591-0253
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