Aecadia Residency Schools ::: Day 2

Arcadia Schools Residency

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Ishidore Newman School of New Orleans

New Orleans Song

Funny faces from Florida State University Japan/Relief-raiser Festival. I jumped in and took stage for a little bit. It was on my way to New Orleans. I had a good time with these kids who volunteered in the festival.

From the university I drove to a park in Tallahassee to see Natural Bridge. After I passed the park entrance....

 Miles and miles of straight arrow road in the park. I wasn't sure if I'm still in the same park? Got lost but the park was very beautiful.

 When I arrived at New Orleans, the fragrance of Jasmine embraced me.

As the sun tilted lower in the sky, I drove in the lower 9th where the Hurricane Katrina hit badly. There was a cemetery off the levy.

 Survivors from the Hurricane Katrina recovered the New Orleans. Many came back and rebuilt their house. 'No place like New Orleans!' A young worker at Newman School where I performed, said it with his all dignity. He once left New Orleans after he lost his house and family but came back to New Orleans with his all mighty.

Walked around the Newman School, hearing birds singing. Thought of what it means to miss New Orleans.  

Let's listen how Mr.Louis Armstrong describes in "Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?"
http://www.jango.com/music/Louis+Armstrong?l=0

Spring Shows Pictures #3 >> Marietta, OH

Has Spring arrived here yet?
People here in Marietta OH are rady for the sun! As I was coming into the Graham Auditorium at Washington State Community Collegem, very warm sun was out. It made me skip to the door.

Marietta audience was very warm and friendly to my show. Thank you, Evergreen Arts & Humanities Series! Thank you all!!I look forward to seeing you again across our path.

Spring Shows Pictures #2 >> LA - Ojai

She is my princess. I flew to Los Angles and stayed at my friend's house for a couple of days. I played with her a lot and had a hard time to say good-bye but show must go on. My next destination was Ojai, working with Performance to Grow On.

Ojai sits in a special place in my heart. My soul sings when I see beautiful Ojai Valleys. The green air makes me smile. People treat me like long time friend. I see sparkles in the sky and feel best of me. I try to capture what it is but it's more than I can describe.




My camera was not working while I was in Ojai and borrowed pictures from Performance To Grow On. If you are in Santa Barbara to Ojai area, check it out - Performance To Grow On throws the shows that rock!
My show was a part of their ongoing program for SCHOOL. I performed at schools for weekdays. Then performed at the Arts Center on Saturday night - the house was full! Thank you everyone!

Brian Bemel, my friend, the director of Performance to Grow On, conducts storytelling festival called Village of Tales. It's awesome every year, filled with lots of fun and unforgettable stories.
Uplifting!
Coming soon, May 5-8, 2011.

Spring Shows Pictures #1

Let me back up the dates. March was a great touring month. I went San Antonio TX → Los Angeles → Ojai CA → Lady Lake, FL. Pictures spring my memories.

 Flying is a standard transportation but if you think about this seriously, it's an amazing experience.

Often time my layover is at Atlanta airport and in the middle of there I meet Martin Luther King. His photos and special items talks to me from the exhibit case. Dr.King felt glasses dignified his appearance though his magnificient presence did not need any addition.

 My first show destination, Carver Center of San Antonio was a historical theater. My heart danced to think of all the stars performed here.

 One of the stars was Mr.Hakoshima, an innovative mime. In the year of 1985 I was studying pantomime with Tony Montanaro. Tony and Hakoshima were good friends. They're performance giants.

Look at these big names!I wish I could come to this concert in 1992.

California dreaming - that's my next place.

North Carolina streets

Milbrook, Wakeforest, Tara, Harp, and today I went to the school that was off of Waldo Rood. I can go on and on about the street name here in North Carolina and I adore them all.

My two weeks tour in Raleigh-Cary started out with Sanford Creek Elementary on Granite Fall. I want to say it again 'Granite Fall' and when I say it I see crystal cool look of a fall. Followed by Swift Creek Elementary on Tryon Road. Tryon is taken from the North Carolina's governor William Tryon (1765-1761) and the street was off of Holly Springs Rd. I think of history here.

I also like schools name.
Sanford Creek, Swift Creek, Jeffreys Grove, Lacy, Davis Drive. ...
Each has a beautiful rhythm to it.

I'm not a English native speaker and it's easy for me to like certain words for just the way it sounds. Some words even have romantic feel. Perhaps the beauty nature I see every day here adds magic to it.

Georgia Southern University

Just came back from my show at....

Where is it?

45 minutes drive from Savannah airport and it seemed a small town but the college offers big dreams. I met 3 graduate students who works for The Multicultural Student Center, with Ms.Consuela Ward, the director. They gave me ground transportation and lots of help. I enjoyed listening to their dream with Master Degree they are earning.

Last night at the end of my show, one of the audience asked me "did you always dream of becoming a storyteller?" My answer was no, not always. My first dream was becoming a dancer - I dreamed of becoming the ballerina like my teacher in Osaka but I broke my ankle twice and gave up. Next I dreamed to become a pantomime like Baptiste in a French movie 'Children of Paradise' (1945)



But copying Baptiste was not enough to become a mime (sigh,,, it didn't take too long to find out) and my journey has begun. In this adventure the road is bumpy and I fill the road with try & error and sometime I dig a hall out of curiosity, then discover something to carry with me, such as storytelling. Now my new dream is becoming a good storyteller. I wonder what it takes to become a goooood storyteller. Hope the answer is in this journey somewhere.

My upcoming show in St.Louis

St. Louis? First thing comes to my mind is this song --- of course St.Louis Blues. But not American version, yes, it's Japanese version. My mother had the SP vinyl record and played at home over and over, when I was little. I had no idea what the lyric meant but the melody, rhythm and the sound of Saint Louis in the song was so hip to me. Here's the video by the Japanese singer, Chiemi Eri.



It was recording from TV in 1981.

For a long time St.Louis was one of my places-to-visit, then in 2007 I was featured in St.Louis Storytelling Festival. I went!  Oh, it was exciting! I had no idea how large The Arch was. It makes your chin up! I met great storytellers and audience. People in St. Louis were very warm and made me feel like home from Day 1.

I'm going to the city again! I will be performing at Touhill Performing Arts Center/ Lee Theater on January 22 and 23. Please click the poster below for the details.

I look forward to seeing you there!

School Show Requirement

★　Kuniko offers 2 different shows for K-12 schools.

• “Japanese Storytelling with Magical Mask, Mime and Music”
• “Origami Tales”

★　Show Description

Show #1 “Japanese Storytelling with Magical Mask, Mime and Music”

Charming Japanese folktales are combined with traditional musical instruments, magical masks, origami and mime to create storytelling that will have students audience spellbound in their seats.  A favorite performer at Disney Epcot Center and The Kennedy Center, Kuniko’s presentations promote cross-cultural communication and understanding in entertaining way.

Show #2  “Origami Tales”

Welcome to the infinite world of paper folding, Origami! Mythological character masks & puppets, amazing flowers, a dragon and one thousand cranes--all made from origami--set the stage while storyteller Kuniko shares heartfelt stories from ancient Japan. With origami, music and audience participation, audience will launch out into a magical entry of the East.

• Both shows are the length of 45-60 minutes. Different length is available upon request.
• Which show is good to your school? The difference is visual effect that Kuniko combine with her storytelling. The Show#1 uses masks while the Show#2 uses origami. Both shows promote storytelling, literacy, international arts and multi-cultural/Asian studies.

★　Stage Requirement:

• Audience size --- Up to 300 per group by age at auditorium/cafetorium
• For the sound ---1 wireless lapel microphone and 1 CD player or a channel to plug in Kuniko’s MP3 player (If the wireless lapel microphone is not available, Kuniko can provide one – please contact to her.)

* If auditorium is not available, it can be performed at library or multi-purpose room without elevated stage – up to 100 per group (a microphone is required). If no microphone is available, please keep the size of group under 75 students.

By the way what is Kuniko’s show like? Please check Kuniko’s promo video at;

http://www.vimeo.com/16048150

★　Q&A

#1. Can you perform your show bilingual with a mix of Japanese and English?

Yes. Please let me know the ratio of the mix.

#2. What do you need for the stage?

I need a well-lit stage and a sound system to use microphone. I also need a CD player that projects through sound system. I’d like to use wireless lavaliere microphone. If it’s not available, please let me know – I will try to provide it.

If your school have no auditorium, library or multi-purpose room works by keeping the audience size small, 100 students per group (microphone required). If microphone is not available, please keep the group under 75 students per group. 

#3. How many shows can you do per visit?

3 auditorium shows for up to 300 students per group, or 5 library/multi-purpose room sessions for up to 100 students per group (microphone required). If you are combining the auditorium show and library sessions, I’d like to discuss with you the layout of the day – please let me know.

#4.  Are there differences between the auditorium show and the library/multi-purpose room sessions?

The content and quality is the same. My show at auditorium has more theatrical feel with the sound effect and lighting. My library/multi-purpose room session is more interactive.

#5.  What kind of stories do you tell?

I tell traditional folktales from Japan, the stories I grew up with, the story of heroes, mysterious woman, funny animals and mythological creatures. Personally I like funny stories and wisdom stories, which reflects to my selection.

#6. How long is your show?

45 minutes is typical but according to your schedule, any length between 30-60 is available.

#7. How long do you need between shows?

I’d like to ask for 10 minutes. If your school’s schedule is tight, please let me know.

#8. Contact information?

    I work with awesome ladies with Siegel Artist Management.

• Liz Silverstein    ph 847-475-4224   liz@siegelartist.com
• Jennifer Morris    ph 516-824-2266   jennifer@siegelartist.com

>>>I welcome questions from you! Please email to kunikotheater@gmail.com.

Origami Book Review: Hawaiian Style Money Folds

Money is cute, if you fold! There have been several books published for money fold and this book is my favorite. Each design has distinctive fold to make the best of dollar bill prints. For example the awl's eyes look square but if you look at the very center, it's a round shape like eye pupil. And I like the [O] in the middle of its tummy.

The author, Jodi Fukumoto, thought this out. Money fold is perfect for gift so why don't I put envelopes and boxes origami models ? The viewers do not need to think about gift wrapping.

Here's details of this book:

The Guide to Hawaiian-Style Money Folds

By Jodi Fukumoto

Published: 2003 by Island Heritage
Pages: 127
Binding: Hardcover/spiral-bound
Language: English
ISBN: 0896104141

I recommend this book for someone who can paper cranes or so. The instruction is good but if you are buying this book for your first book, you might find it difficult to follow.

For educators you will find the way to introduce Hawaii with this book. Fukumoto has another origami book "The Guide To Hawaiian Style Origami", which use ordinary paper instead of dollar bill.

Unforgettable Louisiana ルイジアナに愛をこめて

My 2 weeks Louisiana is finally over and I’m back. Mainly the locations were around Lafayette. Because I toured the same area 2 years ago I met many familiar faces, friends were there. How lovely feeling that was to see you all! They welcomed me like long time old friends. Wanted to give you all I’ve got. Hope you liked my new stories and origami.
Louisiana hospitality was unforgettable. Love - Kuniko
２週間のルイジアナツアーが終わりました。

ここでは２年前に同じようなツアーをしたので、

私を覚えてくれていた人がたくさんいて、

まるで昔の親しい友人に会うような美しい出会いを重ねることができました。

それは言ってみれば、アメリカ南部特有の人なつっこさであり、

自分のすべてを尽くして、それに答えたいと思うのでした。　
ルイジアナに愛をこめて。

Florida Libraries 夏のコドモたち

I have not performed for libraries for long time and it's great to see kids in the summer program at local libraries.

First perfomed in Miami and this one is from Osceola Library near Orlando. When I was a kid, I loved watching TV but also loved reading books. When I was reading, I was the Alice in Wonderland, I was the badger who got stuck in tea kettle, I was the Jane Eyre.....
Every book made me dream.

Hope I give a same sensation to my young audience.

夏の子供達はその図書館で何を夢見るのだろう？
私がいつか見た夢は、
不思議の国のアリスで、
茶瓶にはまったぶんぶく茶釜で
ジェーンエアーというヒロインで。
本の夢に乗ってどこかに行くのは楽しかった。

そんな、どこかの夢に行くショーがしたいと思う夏です。

My show experience at Chautaqua

It's School. It's Theater. It's Concert Hall. It's Art/Music School. It's Dance Studio. It's Lake. It's Summer School. It's Retreat. It's Resort. What is it? It's Chautauqua.

The Institution, originally the Chautauqua Lake Sunday School Assembly, was founded in 1874 as an educational experiment in out-of-school, vacation learning.

I performed here last two summers and I'm amazed by this place.

First it was a beautiful lake side overlooking Ontario with colorful flowers and trees. Cars are limited to most of the streets, making very safe to run and to kids bicycle. Secondly the community is highly dedicated to fine arts . The residents and visitors can buy seasonal tickets and commute to the halls and theater daily like they breathe. At last it's a special school environment for all ages. Lectures are thrown at everywhere by renown writers and scholars from around the world, top musicians teach here and a variety of workshop for arts and crafts are here.

In this community I had a lunch with a sports writer from HBO, had a chat with an Austrian Quartet in backstage and walked with an ambassador from Pakistan. It happened all in one day at Chautauqua.

Enjoyed walking on the dock. But the most I enjoyed was the great audience! Thank you Chautauqua!

カナダの舞台裏

ほんで、書き始めた英語のブログは、なんとなく慣れてきたし、
ホームページで足りない部分や、
自分のショーで共にある照明音響の人たちの紹介や、
各劇場の仕事ぶりも、入れていきたいし、
舞台の袖で、ほんの数時間会うだけの、他のパフォーマー達のことも書いてみたいと思うわけです。
たとえば、カナダのInternational Children’s Festival　の照明音響のどらえもんカービー。
私より小柄のブロンドの白人で、ミセス50歳というけど、どう見ても12歳。
私が必要なものをなんでも出してくる、どらえもんのような人。
マイクのフックが切れたら、即、大工箱を開けて修繕。
私のマスクのペイントがはげたら、即、携帯で誰かに手を回し、ペイント入手。
私のマジックの道具の丈夫な糸が切れたら、即、自分のネックレスの糸を切って、どうぞ。

そして、彼女は、私が話すとき、まばたきせずに私の目を見ます。
世界で一番大切な人のような目で見るのです。
地球最後の恋に落ちたような目で見るのです。
他のカナダの人たちも同じような目をしているようで、
私は、カナダ人全員から誘惑されているような、
雄大な気分でした。
相手は全くそんなつもりじゃないのですが。

誰かが何かを話しているとき、
最愛の人が話すかのように聞けたら、
すごくいい。
そしていつか、
自分のまわりの人々を
みんなみんなみんな最愛の人、
と思えると、
すごくいい。

International Children's Festival in Canada

Oh, CANADA!
I performed at the International Children’s Festival in Alberta and Saskatoon. I wrote about this at the last blog. http://kunikoetc.exblog.jp/7231110/

This page is follow-up with photos. It was April 27 – 31 in Edmonton Alberta and next week in Saskatoon, the two cities were 5 hours driving apart.


Here’s the first photo: my stage in tent. My stage crew was fantastic Kirby and cool Carrie.



In Saskatoon Festival I shared the same stage with Mattius from Germany. His puppets are life-size and very soft. These goofy guys are the Dwarf in "Snow White".

I was staying at the same Bed & Breakfast with Mattius and Splash’n Boots. We became good friends. Splash’n Boots is the young rising star from Canada, voted Children’s Music Group of The Year 2007, a marvelous musical couple! Check their colorful website;
http://www.splashnboots.com/
Their video is filled with dance & fun. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzPJZn-ZFFc


From young to old many people came to my show. I had shows back to back and did not have much of a time to meet you after show. A big hug to you all! My fascination to Canada continues! I'll be back - Kuniko