Composer Spotlight
Aono Jikken Ensemble
Sounds of Shadow and Light
Wed., Nov. 11 @ 7:30pm
Jack Straw Productions
4261 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle
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In their first Seattle appearance after two years of touring internationally, Aono Jikken Ensemble will discuss and perform examples of their work creating a new live score for legendary director Kenji Mizoguchi’s silent film classic The Downfall of Osen
(Orizuru Osen), in advance of its premiere at SIFF Cinema on November 15th. Originally released in 1935, this rarely seen tale of love and betrayal in Meiji-era Japan is noteworthy for its complex narrative structure, beautiful images and strong female lead role. AJE’s score incorporates a wide variety of musical influences combined with foley/sound design and continues their innovative, bi-lingual take on the almost forgotten art of katsudo benshi (Japanese silent film narration). AJE features William Satake Blauvelt, Dean Moore, Michael Shannon, Naho Shioya, Esther Sugai and Marcia Takamura.
Aono Jikken Ensemble was formed in 1997 to explore new sights and sounds in experimental music and performance-based art. AJE’s music utilizes traditional Asian, western and world instruments, found objects, children’s toys, and specially created sound devices. Their live silent film scores include the 1926 avant-garde masterpiece A Page of Madness, the 1932 martial arts adventure Swordswoman of Huangjiang, and a series of early dramas and comedies by master directors Yasujiro Ozu and Mikio Naruse. AJE has presented their work locally at the Seattle International Film Festival, Northwest Film Forum, On the Boards, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Theatre Off Jackson, Broadway Performance Hall and internationally at Brazil’s Sao Paulo International Film Festival, Poland’s ERA New Horizons International Film Festival, France’s Paris Autumn Festival, and Canada’s Winnipeg New Music Festival and Vancouver International Jazz Festival. more
Supporters
Jack Straw Productions gratefully acknowledges The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, City of Seattle’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, 4Culture King County Lodging Tax Fund, Washington State Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, PONCHO, ArtsFund, Seattle Foundation, and individual contributors for their support of Jack Straw Artist Programs.