“Voices from Japan: Perspectives on Disaster and Hope

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Perspectives on Disaster and Hope
March 25 — April 6, 2013
IDEA Space
Voices from Japan is a traveling multimedia group exhibition in response to the Tohoku region earthquakes, tsunami, and nuclear disasters in March 2011. The original exhibition, assembled by the Studio for Cultural Exchange, Isao Tsujimoto, Director, was shown in New York in the summer of 2012 at the Cathedral of Sain John the Divine, and included 100 tanka (31-syllable Japanese poems) by 55 survivors of these disasters. The poems were translated by Laurel Rasplica Rodd (CU Boulder), Amy Heinrich (Columbia U.), and Joan E. Ericson (Colorado College). The exhibition also included photographs by Magdelena Solé, photo collages by Saori and Yoshihito Sasaguchi, calligraphy by Kanji Chiba, and a film about the aftermath by Joe Krakora. The exhibit at Colorado College includes many other forms of expression as well, such as calligraphy, photography, film, music and dance performances. The exhibit also contains a selection of poems, photos and a wall hanging by victims of the Waldo Canyon Fire. Despite the calamities in the Tohoku region, the poetry and other arts represent a form of healing from natural disaster. Voices from Japan aims to show the beauty in this art and the ability of the human spirit to overcome obstacles. Presentation at Colorado College is sponsored by the NEH Professorship.
“VOICES FROM JAPAN” EVENT SCHEDULE
   All events are free and open to the public

Monday, March 25, 2013, 4:00pm

Screening of the anime film Ponyo with an introduction by Dr. Susan Napier, Tufts University

Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center Screening Room

Ponyo is a 2008 Japanese animated fantasy written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli.

Monday, March 25, 2013, 6:00-8:00p.m. 

Open Reception and Gallery Talk by Professor Joan Ericson

Voices from Japan: Perspectives on Disaster and Hope

IDEA Space: Edith Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Witnessing the Aftermath: A Panel Discussion

Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center Film Screening Room

Witnesses to the aftermath of Tohoku region earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters share their memories and responses. The panel includes: Colorado College student volunteer, Matthew Beck, Rev. Dr. Jim Peterson, based in Tokyo, and Ibuki Suda, a Japanese teenager who lived and volunteered in one of the shelters after her family had to evacuate their home. 

Wednesday March 24, 2013, 4:00pm

“Voices from Japan” Translated: A Panel Discussion

Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center Film Screening Room

Discussion about the tanka poems from the “Voices from Japan” exhibit. The panel includes geologist and poet Dr.Fujiko Suda and the three specialists in Japanese literature who translated the poems into English: Prof. Laurel Rasplica Rodd (CU-Boulder), Dr. Amy Heinrich (Columbia University), and Prof. Joan E. Ericson (Colorado College).

Thursday, March 28, 2013, 4:00pm

Literature in Times of Disaster: A Panel Discussion

Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center Film Screening Room

Expression can be the hope found in disaster. This program explores literature written in the wake of disaster. Panelists include: Prof. Laurel Rasplica Rodd (CU-Boulder), Dr. Amy Heinrich (Columbia University), Prof. Jane Hilberry (Colorado College), and Prof. David Gardiner (Colorado College). The program also features poetry written in response to the Waldo Canyon Fire, including poems by Prof. Hilberry and Colorado State Poet Laureate Prof. David Mason (Colorado College).

Friday March 29, 2013, 4:00pm

Geology of the Region: A Panel Discussion

Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center Film Screening Room

Discussion focused on the history and state of geology in the Tohoku Northeastern region. Panelists include Dr. Fujiko Suda, Japanese geologist and poet, and Prof. Megan Anderson (Colorado College).

Saturday, March 30, 2013, 3:00-6:00pm

Reconstruction of Tohoku Region: Screening of Two Films

Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center Film Screening Room

Co-sponsored by the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver

“Can You See Our Lights? First Festival after the Tsunami”

東日本大震災「北夏祭り~鎮魂と絆  」

“FUKUSHIMA HULA GIRLS”

がんばっぺフラガール!  クシマに生きる。彼女たちのいま 

These films are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Saturday, March 30, 2013, 7:00pm

Sounds of “Voices from Japan”: Music Concert

Packard Performance Hall

Music performance by international trio, Donna Tatsuki (vocalist), Kanji Wakiyama (pianist, composer), and Claudia Pintaudi (harpist), including the world premier of a song sequence based on a selection of poetry from “Voices from Japan”. A reception will follow the performance in the Packard Hall lobby.

Sunday, March 31, 2013, 3:00pm

Sounds of “Voices from Japan”: Music Concert

Packard Performance Hall

Music performance by international trio, Donna Tatsuki (vocalist), Kanji Wakiyama (pianist, composer), and Claudia Pintaudi (harpist), including the world premier of a song sequence based on a selection of poetry from “Voices from Japan”. A reception will follow the performance outside of the I.D.E.A Space in the Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center.