MTA Presents The Pillow Of Kantan
The Muhlenberg Theatre Association presents The Pillow of Kantan, an original dreamscape adapted from three modern Noh plays by master Japanese novelist, Yukio Mishima, to be performed in the Studio Theatre, Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance of Muhlenberg College from March 31 – April 2 and April 6 - 9, 2006.Monday, March 27, 2006 01:59 PM
Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available by calling 484-664-3333 or on the web at www.muhlenberg.edu/tickets.
The play follows a young American, Jiro, who has heard about the fabled pillow from Kantan that is said to bring to fruition all the desires of those who sleep on it. As a youth in a culture that heavily values material wealth and pleasures, Jiro sets off in search of the pillow and the immediate gratification it promises. He arrives at the home of Kiku, where the pillow has come to rest. Jiro falls asleep with his head on the pillow and prepares to dream the wonders that many before him have dreamt. However, beneath the glory of the gifts he is offered, the spirits of the dream have an eternal obligation to fulfill—an obligation motivated by hate and distrust. Unfortunately, Jiro is completely unaware of the dangers and trials that lie before him.
An enchanting amalgamation of modern dance, rhythmic pageantry, farce, political satire and heartbreaking realism, The Pillow of Kantan is a sensational spectacle of exotic beauty and psychological intrigue. Three works by Yukio Mishima were skillfully combined by director Jon Reimer ’06 to form this original play. The Pillow of Kantan is a synthesis of the Noh aesthetic and western theatre. “It is motivated by its roots in traditional Noh theatre, but it is not restricted to the tight boundaries of the form,” says Reimer. "This production attempts to let that aesthetic inspire the production, utilizing broad visual and musical strokes to rejuvenate our awareness of spiritual, socio-political and physical forces that surround us." Reimer says that creating this play has made him more aware of America’s economic and social position and of where he stands as a young American. "This play is reminds us of the choices, for better or for worse, that we make as human beings. And that with enlightenment, we can change."
Call 484-664-3333, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for ticket reservations. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation. You may purchase tickets online by visiting www.muhlenberg.edu/tickets. For more information about the theatre program at Muhlenberg College, visit: muhlenberg.edu/depts/theatre.
For more details on this event or to request interviews or photographs, email Marilyn J. Roberts.
A life member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Suarez is a founding member of the Chicago Association of Hispanic Journalists. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., he currently lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and three children.
