Mixed Media Santa Fe JIN Japanese Cultural Festival

Kabuki, a form of Japanese dance-theater dating to the 17th century, is considered avant-garde, melodramatic, and traditional, as well as sensual — easily recognized by its distinctive white face makeup. It was originally performed by female sex workers, and male audiences often got too aroused and rowdy for comfort. Female actors were legally replaced by male actors, but when it turned out men in the audience were just as aroused by men on stage, older actors were installed in an effort to cool the public’s libido. Though kabuki was briefly banned in Japan after World War II, today actors of both genders perform the popular art form to great acclaim. In 1983, Mary Mariko Ohno founded Kabuki Academy in Tacoma, Washington. Born and raised in Tokyo, Ohno performs internationally with an ensemble of shamisen (Japanese lute) players. On Saturday, April 16, she dances at the Santa Fe JIN Japanese Cultural Festival, hosted by the Japanese Intercultural Network, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center (201 W. Marcy St.). The theme of this year’s festival is kabuki, so there are several discussions and demonstrations on the topic, as well as kabuki-related entertainment by local musicians and performers, including Madi Sato with David Michael Tardy, Tom Berkes, and Santa Fe Wadaiké. More than 30 vendors will sell arts, crafts, and other goods, along with Japanese food, snacks, and tea from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 (free for children under twelve). For a complete schedule of events visit www.santafejin.org. — Jennifer Levin