Current and Upcoming Events

Fall 2008 Events

Screening of Jr. Butterfly and Discussion with the Opera's Librettist

Date: September 9, 2008; 7:00 p.m.
Location: 107 English-Philosophy Building (EPB)
Presenter: Masahiko Shimada

The first presentation for the fall semester is an especially exciting one, which features a well-known Japanese author and the screening of a recently composed opera, in collaboration with the International Writing Program, the Center for Asian and Pacific Studies, and the Department of Asian Languages and Literature.

Masahiko Shimada will host a screening of the 2004 opera Jr. Butterfly (a sequel to Puccini's Madama Butterfly, that tells of the tragic romance of Butterfly's son). Mr Shimada will give an introduction to this opera, for which he wrote the libretto to music composed by Shigeaki Saegusa. The performance we will see was recorded at the 2006 Puccini Festival. Mr. Shimada will also be available to answer questions.

Biographical Information: Mr. Shimada is (b. 1961) is an award-winning author, one of the most writers and commentators in Japan today. In addition to writing numerous fiction publications, Shimada founded and directed a successful theater group during the 1990s and continues to work in performing arts. He currently teaches at Hosei University. In June-July of this year he presented a television lecture series on opera (eight 25-minute programs), which was broadcast by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation.