Pan Asian Rep's 'SHOGUN MACBETH' Opens Tonight

Pan Asian Repertory Theatre launches their 32nd season with SHOGUN MACBETH, an adaptation by John R. Briggs from the play by William Shakespeare. Directed by Ernest Abuba (Pacific Overtures, Yellow Fever) with Japanese movement by Sachiyo Ito (2008 Japan Foreign Minister's Commendation) and fight choreography by Michael G. Chin (Rashomon), SHOGUN MACBETH begins performances at the Julia Miles Theatre (424 W. 55th Street between 9th & 10th Aves) on November 4th with opening night set for November 12th at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.PanAsianRep.org.

A cultural transmutation, SHOGUN MACBETH channels Shakespeare's tragic tale of power and greed to the feudal military dictatorship of 12th century Japan (Kamakura Period), a time of warring clans. The three witches are "Yojo's," obaki creatures with spiritual and supernatural powers. While incorporating the classical Japanese art forms of Noh and Kyogen, SHOGUN MACBETH retains Shakespeare's language and historical medieval period.

The cast stars Kaipo Schwab from Hawaii, who is making his Pan Asian debut as MacBeth and Rosanne Ma (CHINA DOLL), along with other veteran artists: Keoni Scott (ALOHA LAS VEGAS), Marcus Ho (RASHOMON), Tom Matsusaka (THE JOY LUCK CLUB), Ron Nakahara (CAMBODIA AGONISTES), Ken Park (RASHOMON), Shigeko Suga (KWATZ! The Tibetan Project) as well as the next generation of artists: Calvin Ahn, Claro Austria, Claro de los Reyes, Ariel Estrada, Emi F Jones, Nadia Gan, Yoko Hyun and Sacha Iskra.

The set design is by Charlie Corcoran (YOHEN) with costumes by Carol Pelletier (THE JOY LUCK CLUB) and lighting design by Victor En Yu Tan (CAMBODIA AGONISTES) and stage managed by Elis C. Arroyo.

"Pan Asian Rep is honored to continue our Masterpiece Cycle with a new production of SHOGUN MACBETH," said Tisa Chang, Artistic Director. "The classic tragedy opens up the world of Japanese culture and history while maintaining the integrity of Shakespeare's tale. John Briggs' inspiration came from the parallels of Shakespeare's tragic characters with the philosophy that guided the samurai way of life."

SHOGUN MACBETH has performances Tuesday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with matinee's on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $50. For tickets, please visit www.telecharge.com or call (212) 239-6200.

Photo:Kaipo Schwab as MacBeth, Rosanne Ma as Fujin MacBeth Photo by Corky Lee