5th Generation of Japanese Puppeteers Makes Rare NY Appearance With SHANK'S MARE
By: Sally Henry Fuller Oct. 18, 2015
LA MAMA and TOM LEE PROJECTS presents world premiere, SHANK'S MARE, By Tom Lee & Koryu Nishikawa V, at The Downstairs at La Mama.
SHANK'S MARE is a world-premiere, the first collaboration of puppet master and pupil: the legendary puppet artist Koryu Nishikawa V - representing the fifth generation of Japan's most legendary puppeteers - and his American pupil Tom Lee. This is a rare opportunity for New York audiences to see the work of one of the greatest puppet masters in modern history.
Created by Tom Lee and the Japanese puppet master Koryu Nishikawa V, this world-premiere opens La MaMa's newest - and fourth - performance space, The Downstairs. The story of two travelers whose paths intersect in time and space, SHANK'S MARE uses traditional "kuruma ningyo" puppetry, live feed video projection, miniature sets and a live score. Mr. Lee is a NY-based designer who specializes in Asian-inspired forms of puppet theater combined with modern technology. Mr. Nishikawa is the 5th generation headmaster of Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo, a 160-year old puppet theatre in Japan. Suitable for all ages 10 and up. Nov. 6 - 15. The Downstairs (66 E. 4 St.) - World Premiere
VENUE: The Downstairs at La Mama, 66 E. 4th St., NYC
TICKETS: All tickets $25 / $20 students and seniors
For more on SHANK'S MARE please visit: www.tomleeprojects.com
Puppetry from the U.S., Japan, Belgium and Colombia will be featured in the 2015 LA MAMA PUPPET SERIES set for November 5 to 29 on all four of La MaMa's stages in New York City. This biennial festival highlights new contemporary puppet theatre from many of the world's leading puppet artists during the month of November, including Heather Henson, Ty Defoe, Tom Lee, Koryu Nishikawa V, Loco7 Dance Puppet Theatre Company and Maiko Kikuchi.
The festival features five main stage shows that are geared toward an adventurous theatre audience, as well as family programming and one-night only special events. The five main stage productions are multi-disciplinary theatre pieces that explore serious themes.
The LA MAMA PUPPET SERIES is a biennial festival highlighting new contemporary puppet theatre by international artists, continuing a long tradition of puppetry at La MaMa: the theater's late, legendary founder Ellen Stewart presented the first puppet production at La MaMa in 1962 with the U.S. debut of Korea's renowned puppet master Pagoon Kang Wouk. Throughout its 50-plus year history, La MaMa has produced shows by such notable puppet artists as Theodora Skipitares, Roman Paska, Vit Horejs, Kevin Augustine and Ralph Lee.
"I am excited for audiences to see the work because it incorporates a stunning array of powerful imagery, music, dance, and compelling ideas that truly reflects La MaMa's dedication to promoting and presenting innovative theatre." says Denise Greber, director and curator of the PUPPET SERIES.
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