A Talk on How Kabuki Influenced Popular Culture


Japanese woodblock print of actor

Konishi Hirosada (active 1819–1864). The Actor Nakamura Shikan II as Ki no Haseo, from an untitled series of bust portraits of actors, 1841. Color woodblock print with mica and burnishing. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Museum purchase, Mrs. Alexander de Bretteville Fund, 1983.1.38. Photograph by Jorge Bachmann

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Join us for the Japanese Prints in Transition opening day talk by Kirk Kanesaka, assistant professor of Asian studies at California State University, San Bernardino. This lecture will highlight the rich history of Kabuki performance while demonstrating its enduring significance in Western performing arts.

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Japanese woodblock print of actor

A talk on how Kabuki influenced popular culture


Following the talk, catch an outdoor Kabuki performance in the Court of Honor at 12:30 pm, or a special performance by Nakamura Gankyō inside the Gunn Theater at 2 pm. 

About the speaker

Kirk Kanesaka, also known as Nakamura Gankyō, serves as an assistant professor of Asian studies at California State University, San Bernardino. His research focuses on the intersection of early modern (1603–1868) popular fiction and performing arts. Additionally, Kanesaka explores topics related to fan culture, popular culture, and anime.

Ticket info

Free. Seating is limited and unassigned. Tickets for the talk are distributed in front of the Gunn Theater an hour before the program begins, first come, first served. This does not include admission to the museum. 

Contact info

Public Programs
publicprograms@famsf.org

415.750.7694

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