The Fine Art Museum of San Francisco presents lecture and performance “A Talk on How Kabuki Influenced Popular Culture” by Kirk Kanesaka at Legion of Honor–Gunn Theater, 100 34th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121 on Saturday, April 6 at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Kirk Kanesaka, also known as Nakamura Gankyō in Kabuki stage name, serves as an assistant professor of Asian studies at California State University, San Bernardino. His research focuses on the intersection of early modern (1603–1868) popular fiction and performing arts. Additionally, Kanesaka explores topics related to fan culture, popular culture, and anime.
Kanesaka’s lecture will highlight the rich history of Kabuki performance while demonstrating its enduring significance in Western performing arts.
These lecture and performances are designated to coincide the opening new exhibition “Japanese Prints in Transition: From the Floating World to the Modern World” at the Fine Art Museum of San Francisco. The Japanese print exhibition runs from April 6 through August 18, 2024.
Kanesaka’s lecture will be held at Legion of Honor-Gunn Theater at 11:00 am. Tickets are free. Seating is limited and unassigned. Tickets are distributed in front of the theater an hour before the program begins, first come, first served. This does not include admission to the museum.
The lecture will be live-streamed: https://www.youtube.com/live/hFl3ARnrU_w?si=vRwyiGkOIHKw26a9
Following the talk, an outdoor Kabuki performance will be held in the Court of Honor at 12:30 pm.
“Kabuki Performance: Eastern and Western Traditions of Japanese Dance” will be held at Legion of Honor-Gunn Theater at 2:00 pm. Kanesaka aka Nakamura Gankyo will dance “Echigo Jishi” and “Kuro Kami.” Live music will be accompanied by Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto and Brian Mitsuhiro Wong.