Hampden-Sydney College is exploring the similarities in the American and Japanese civil wars through a symposium titled, The Creative Legacies of Internal Conflict in Japan and the United States . Over two weeks the College will examine the artistic and personal responses to the civil war in each of the respective countries.
Experts from a variety of fields will contribute to the symposium, including Akira Matsui, a master actor-teacher of the Kita School of Japanese classical noh theater and an Important Intangible Cultural Asset of Japan. Other highlights include a performance by Theatre Nohgaku and the world premiere (in English) of Atsumori. The traditional noh play—a Japanese theatrical form—will feature authentic costumes and a hand-made mask from Japan.
Combined, the events cover a unique look at the global, historical, and artistic impact from two of the most influential civil wars. The symposium is possible through the sponsorship of The Japan Foundation New York; and Hampden-Sydney's Lectures and Programs Committee; Departments of Fine Arts, History, and English; Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest; Dean and Provost; Core Cultures Program; and Honors Council.
March 29
"Dramatic Repercussions: Civil War Influences and Elements of Noh Theatre"
Professor Matthew R. Dubroff and cast members of Atsumori
4-5:30 pm, Johns Auditorium
April 3
"Houses Divided: On the Arts of Civil War"
Professors Eric Dinmore, Caroline Emmons, and Abigail Horne
4-5:30 pm, Crawley Forum
April 5
"Atsumori, Yoshitsune, and Samurai Ideal(s)"
Professor Mark Ravina (Emory University)
4-5:30 pm, Crawley Forum
April 5-7, 12-13
Atsumori, a noh play
by Zeami Motokiyo & adapted to English by Matthew R. Dubroff
8 pm, Johns Auditorium
April 8
Gettysburg, a noh play by Elizabeth Dowd
performed by Theatre Nohgaku, with presentations by Elizabeth Dowd and Professor Ronald Heinemann
8 pm, Johns Auditorium
April 10
"Noh Leadership"
a discussion with master noh performer Matsui Akira
4-5:30 pm, Johns Auditorium
April 12-13
Atsumori, a noh play
by Zeami Motokiyo & adapted to English by Matthew R. Dubroff
8 pm, Johns Auditorium