# Event Details - **Event Name**: Seiwa Bunraku at GU | Traditional Japanese Puppet Theater - **Event Start and End Date**: Fri, 21 Mar, 2025 at 07:00 pm – Fri, 21 Mar, 2025 at 08:30 pm - **Event Description**: Discover the world of traditional Japanese puppet theater at our special lecture, performance, and demonstration.About this EventThis event is NOT being held at the JICC.Please go to the Lohrfink Auditorium located in Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business.This event is free and open to the public.Doors open at 6:30 PM and the event starts at 7:00 PM. https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/ffaac670-f9ba-11ef-9c34-372b20126bab-rimg-w1200-h499-dc000000-gmir.png https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/0080db20-f9bb-11ef-9c34-372b20126bab-rimg-w1200-h448-dcffffff-gmir.jpg https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events4/banners/01a18d60-f9bb-11ef-ab2d-f9b7f791374e-rimg-w1200-h375-dc000000-gmir.png Discover Bunraku (文楽), the traditional Japanese puppet theater, at our special lecture, performance, demonstration featuring the and Dr. Jyana Browne.Dr. Browne will introduce the artistry and history of Bunraku, providing insight into its puppets and the roles of performers such as the tayū (太夫; narrator). This event will feature performances by Seiwa Bunraku of Kotobuki Shiki Sambasō, a celebratory piece traditionally performed on auspicious occasions, and Hidakagawa Iriai Zakura: The Act of the Ferry, a classic work first staged in 1759 that explores themes of imperial succession disputes.There will also be a demonstration showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and techniques behind Bunraku.Don’t miss this chance to experience the artistry and tradition of Bunraku up close! https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/0262ba80-f9bb-11ef-9c34-372b20126bab-rimg-w1200-h234-dcffffff-gmir.jpg About the GuestsSeiwa Bunraku Village AssociationSeiwa Bunraku is the only remaining traditional puppetry organization in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. This puppet theater group originated about 170 years ago, toward the end of the Edo period, when local farmers in Seiwa Village (now part of Yamato Town, Kumamoto Prefecture) learned Bunraku techniques from visiting members of the Awaji Puppet Troupe.Despite periods of decline, the designation of Seiwa Bunraku as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Kumamoto Prefecture in 1979 played a crucial role in revitalizing the tradition. Community efforts centered on traditional puppet theater helped revive this performing art, which continues to thrive today. Currently, Seiwa Bunraku performances feature a tayū (narrator), a shamisen player, and a group of skilled ningyō tsukai (puppeteers), totaling 15 members. In addition to performing classic works, the troupe also creates new productions that reflect contemporary themes.In 2021, amidst the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Seiwa Bunraku premiered Higo Amabie Koiuta Ibun (Strange Love Story of the Amabie of Higo Province), a new puppet play produced by Kumamoto Prefectural Theater. The story features Amabie, a legendary sea creature believed to ward off epidemics.Following the devastation of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, Seiwa Bunraku contributed to regional reconstruction efforts through the performing arts. In 2022, they collaborated with ONE PIECE, the globally popular manga by Kumamoto native Eiichiro Oda, to present Chopper, Embarking from the Winter Sakura. Now, for the first time, a highlight from this production will be performed abroad—at the Warner Theatre as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/02c06ae0-f9bb-11ef-ab2d-f9b7f791374e-rimg-w1200-h279-dcffffff-gmir.jpg Dr. Jyana BrowneJyana S. Browne (she/her) is Assistant Professor of Premodern Japanese Literary and Cultural Studies at the University of Maryland. Her areas of research include early modern Japanese performance; Japanese puppetry; the integration of new technology into traditional theatre; and the intersections of performance, sexuality, and embodiment on stage and in everyday life. While living in Japan for her dissertation research, she studied gidayū chanting (義太夫; a style of chanted narration for bunraku) with TAKEMOTO Koshikyō and performed as part of the 100th Greater Japan Amateur Chanting Association Performance at Torigoe Shrine in Tokyo. https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/0349bf20-f9bb-11ef-9c34-372b20126bab-rimg-w1200-h247-dcffffff-gmir.jpg Plot SummariesKotobuki Shiki Sambasō| 寿式三番叟|The Ceremonial Sambasō DanceOriginally performed as a prayer for a bountiful harvest, Kotobuki Shiki Sambasō has evolved into a piece primarily presented on celebratory occasions and at the opening of events. This ceremonial piece holds great significance in Japanese performing arts and is not only a staple of Bunraku but is also performed in other traditional performing arts such as Noh (能), Kabuki (歌舞伎), and Kagura (神楽).Hidakagawa-Iriai-Zakura ～Watashiba no Dan～| 日高川入相花王 渡し場の段| Cherry Trees Along the Hidaka River ～The Act of the Ferry～A young maiden named Kiyohime embarks on a journey in pursuit of Anchin, the man she believes to be her fiancé. Along the way, she arrives at the banks of the Hidakagawa River, where she finds a boat and pleads with the boatman to take her across. However, he refuses, having been bribed by Anchin—who had passed through earlier—not to ferry Kiyohime across.Upon hearing this, Kiyohime is overcome with sorrow, but her heartbreak soon turns into an all-consuming rage. Consumed by jealousy and a thirst for revenge, her anguish transforms her into a serpent-like fiend. With her monstrous new form and a vengeful heart, she plunges into the raging river, determined to reach Dōjōji Temple, where Anchin has sought refuge—and to exact her terrifying retribution.This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required for security purposes. Program begins at 7:00PM. Doors open 30 minutes prior. No admittance after 7:30 PM or once seating is full. Registered guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that seating is limited and registration does not guarantee guests a seatSeiwa Bunraku at GU | Traditional Japanese Puppet TheaterCo-Presented by the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan, The Japan Foundation, and the Department of East Asian Languages at Georgetown University.In Cooperation with Seiwa Bunraku Village Association.Located at Georgetown University's Lohrfink Auditorium. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/washington/seiwa-bunraku-at-gu-|-traditional-japanese-puppet-theater/100001255708470839 - **Event Categories**: performances, art, entertainment, theatre, festivals, literary-art - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Washington - **state**: DC - **country**: United States - **location**: Georgetown University McDonough School of Business - **lat**: 38.9089452 - **long**: -77.0755645 - **full address**: Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, Rafik B. Hariri Building, Washington, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Seiwa Bunraku at GU | Traditional Japanese Puppet Theater - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events7/banners/1bfae76f02498e3b5f52b420e47c766c07513196948eec7e5da8d95add9d34a9-rimg-w1200-h600-dc050505-gmir.jpg?v=1741180295 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Seiwa Bunraku at GU | Traditional Japanese Puppet Theater being held? - **A:** Seiwa Bunraku at GU | Traditional Japanese Puppet Theater takes place on Fri, 21 Mar, 2025 at 07:00 pm to Fri, 21 Mar, 2025 at 08:30 pm at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, Rafik B. Hariri Building, Washington, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing Seiwa Bunraku at GU | Traditional Japanese Puppet Theater? - **A:** Seiwa Bunraku at GU | Traditional Japanese Puppet Theater is organized by Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Seiwa Bunraku at GU | Traditional Japanese Puppet Theater is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Washington, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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