Pan Asian Rep Launches 32nd Season With 'Shogun Macbeth'

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 (who originated the title role) with Japanese movement by Sachiyo Ito (Pacific Overtures) 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 Pan Asian veterans Arthur Acuna (EMPRESS OF CHINA) 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, Emi Fujinami Jones, Nadia Gan, Yoko Hyun,  Sacha Iskra and Kaipo Schwab.
 
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 was honored to produce the world premiere of SHOGUN MACBETH twenty years ago and we are thrilled to continue our Masterpiece Seasons with a new production of the classic tragedy," said Tisa Chang, Artistic Director.  "SHOGUN MACBETH opens up the world of Japanese culture and history while maintaining the integrity of Shakespeare's tale."
 
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.
 

CREATIVE TEAM
 
JOHN R BRIGGS (Adapter) specializes in adaptations of classics: JULIO CESAR, THE COWBOY COMEDY OF ERRORS, and for Pan Asian Rep SHOGUN MACBETH and DOLL'S HOUSE. He has extensive experience as writer and director with original musicals: ROMANCIN' THE ONE I LOVE, ILLYRIA, DRACULA, A ROCK OPERA and co-wrote CRAZY LOVE. He has directed at major theaters in the nation including: Asolo Theatre, Barter Theater, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Florida Stage Company, and Tennessee Shakespeare Theater.  He is the artistic director of OFFSQUARE THEATRE in Jackson, Wyoming.
 
Ernest Abuba (Director) is a veteran actor, director, and playwright.  On Broadway in LOOSE ENDS by Michael Weller, the original cast of PACIFIC OVERTURES as well as the 1985 revival starring as the Reciter; SHIMADA, ZOYA'S APARTMENT and won an Obie for his role in YELLOW FEVER at Pan Asian Rep where he is a Senior Artist with over 20 shows as actor, director and playwright.  Films and TV include: 12 MONKEYS, KING OF NEW YORK, KUNG FU, ADDERLY and is the voice of the Dalai Lama on the audio book THE ART OF HAPPINESS. Directing favorites include: LEIR REX at LaMama, SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER at Sarah Lawrence College, LEMON SKY at Chen & Dancers, and is delighted to be at the helm of the new production of SHOGUN MACBETH having created the title role in the its world premiere. Abuba has been on the Sarah Lawrence theatre faculty for 13 years.
 
TISA CHANG (Artistic Producing Director) celebrates 45 years in the American Theatre as dancer, actress, director, producer, and founded Pan Asian Repertory Theatre to empower Asian American artists.  Directing highlights include last season's THE JOY LUCK CLUB, now planned for tour to Malaysia, 2003's RASHOMON which was invited to the Havana Theatre Festival, CAMBODIA AGONISTES which was invited to arts festivals in Cairo and Johannesburg and had a popular return to New York in 2005.  Chang is also active in public service having served on panels for DCA, NEA, NYSCA, FULBRIGHT, and has been recognized with honors for Lifetime Achievement Award from OCA – LI; 2004 Alfred Drake Award from Brooklyn College; 1991 Medal of Distinction from Barnard College and 1988 Special Theatre World Award. She is on the Executive Board of SSDC, the union of stage directors & choreographers.
 
Founded in 1977, PAN ASIAN REP is the pioneer producer of Asian American theatre east of the Rockies, with a full New York season off-Broadway, training programs, international and national touring and workshops. For more than 30 years, Pan Asian Rep has celebrated the artistic expressiveness of Asian American theatre artists with the highest standards of professional theatre.  The company encourages production of new plays with contemporary Asian American themes, explores new forms by drawing upon the unique heritage of Asian American style, music and movement and nurtures emerging Asian American talent. Under the direction of Tisa Chang, Pan Asian Rep continues to bring Asian American Theatre to the general theatre-going public and deepen their appreciation and understanding of the Asian American cultural heritage.

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