[NEohioPAL]The World Premiere of DOJOJI @ Cleveland Public Theatre May 21 - June 5

[Dan Kilbane]

DOJOJI
Produced by Cleveland Public Theatre and ACTIVE EYE
Written by Andrew Grusetskie
Music by Rika Iino
Directed by Jyana S. Gregory
May 21 - June 5, 2004
Upstairs Theatre

Based on an 11th century Japanese legend, Dojoji is a story of love,
betrayal, and uncontrollable passion.  The play opens May 21 and runs
through June 5, 2004, in CPT’s Upstairs Theatre, and includes two special
post-performance talkbacks.

Dojoji is brought to life in a new adaptation by performance company ACTIVE
EYE in collaboration with CPT artists.  Inspired by the story’s many
incarnations in genres ranging from legend to picture scroll to Noh and
Kabuki plays, this production melds the traditional with the contemporary to
create a theatre piece of stylized, expressive performances, live music, and
striking images, examining what happens when desire that persists through
centuries becomes so strong it overpowers the human form.

The play’s story has endured through centuries of Japanese history,
centering on a young woman's passionate love for a young monk on a
pilgrimage, who takes lodging at her house one spring night. When she
declares this love to him, he acknowledges that he too has felt a connection
between them, but leaves the next morning to complete his journey, promising
to return. He does not do so, and as she waits vainly for him to come back,
her desire begins to consume her. When she finally confronts him, this
passion overcomes her, provoking a supernatural transformation.

Five actors take on all the roles, with Kristine Kuroiwa (an ACTIVE EYE
veteran) assuming the role of the Woman and Tom Weaver as the Monk.  Jazmin
Corona, David Loy, and Robert J. Williams act as a Chorus, playing a
multitude of monks, travelers and pilgrims and also providing percussive
accents. Russell Brown serves as pianist.

The creative team, led by director Jyana S. Gregory, CPT’s new Associate
Artistic Director as part of a TCG/New Generations fellowship, includes Trad
A Burns (lighting designer), Andrew Grusetskie (playwright), Rika Iino
(composer), Takeshi Kata (scenic designer), and Junghyun Georgia Lee
(costume designer).

Two post-performance talkbacks highlight opening weekend performances.
“Meet the Composer” takes place on Saturday, May 22; audience members can
meet and discuss the music with Dojoji composer Iino.  “Backstage with
Dojoji” takes place on Sunday, May 23; audience members can meet and discuss
the creative process for the piece.  Cast and creative team will be in
attendance.

For tickets and more information, call 216.631.2727.




Dan Kilbane
Director of Marketing
Cleveland Public Theatre
6415 Detroit Ave.
Cleveland, OH  44102
tel:  216/631-2727 ext. 203
fax:  216/631-2575
www.cptonline.org
dkilbane at cptonline.org

Nickel and Dimed  EXTENDED through June 6!  All the critics agree--it's a
"must-see!"
Opening May 21:  Dojoji  -- love, betrayal, and uncontrollable passion!