Kazuki: This Is My Earth

w York, NY - We are pleased to announce that Kazuki: This Is My Earth, a Japanese drama written and directed by Yoshimasa Shinagawa, will come to The Kaye Playhouse (68th St. at Hunter College) in Manhattan for a limited engagement from October 28 to October 31, 2004. The play is performed in Japanese with English supertitles and promises to be a unique and fascinating theatrical event. Kazuki: This Is My Earth explores the dogged devotion of an artist fiercely committed to expressing his experiences in a Siberian detention camp on canvas, and the lessons, hardships and rewards that were garnered in the process. From the death of his daughter, to world-wide acclaim for his artistry, this dramatic interpretation shows the young Yasuo and the old Yasuo face to face onstage as they debate and wrestle with the last dramatic forty years of Yasuo's life. Dark, bleak, cold--these are words that describe the life and work of Yasuo Kazuki during and beyond his days in a Siberian prison camp. Yasuo worked on his 'Siberian Series' until the end of his life, and despite being one of the wealthiest painters of his country, he never left his small Japanese hometown, the place he called "my earth." Yoshimasa Shinagawa was hailed as one of the hottest five playwrights by Theatro Magazine, and his new sensualism dramas has been praised by numerous critics in Japan. Famed Japanese artist Tadanori Yokoo will be the art designer of the show's poster. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Kazuki's passing and the 150th Anniversary of relations between The United States and Japan. Following its run in NYC the play will move to The Aratani/Japan America Theatre in Los Angeles for performances on November 5th and 6th. Tickets: Adults ($30). Students & Seniors ($15). For reservations call The Kaye Playhouse box office at 212-772-44