350 years ago, the town of Shitara, in Aichi Prefecture, promised the Goddess of Mercy that they would teach their children to perform kabuki in her honor if she spared the town from the wrath of a vengeful shogun. Shitara is still around, so the Goddess clearly kept her promise. Accordingly, for the last 350 years, the children of the village (currently represented by Damine Elementary School), have dilligently learned and performed kabuki plays. This January, as part of an every-three-years tradition, the children of Damine Elementary School are travelling to Illinois to stage a kabuki play. If you live near either Arlington Heights or Urbana-Champaign, don't miss this rare opportunity to see one of Japan's most beautiful art forms performed by some unique practitioners.

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Tryon Festival Theatre
500 S. Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, Illinois 61801

Free Event!