Visual Arts
“Dim Sum at the On-On Tea Room – The Jewelry of Ron Ho”* is a long overdue retrospective of the work of this creative jewelry artist and local Northwest treasure who has crafted personal stories out of carefully gathered antiques and folk art pieces. Each piece tells a story that resonates with history – that of the object itself and that of its creator. A walking tour of the show takes place on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. Nov. 5 has a jewelry workshop at noon. Call (425) 579-0770 for pre-registration. Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. features a talk with the artist. Admission fee charged for this event. On view at the Bellevue Art Museum from Sept. 21 – Feb. 18, 510 Bellevue Way N.E., (425) 519-0770, www.bellevuearts.org.
Michelle Kumata has a series of small paintings on view through September at “Nancy,” a new shop of homemade cards and arts and crafts. In Belltown at 1930 Second Ave.
Diem Chau* (see related article in this issue), visual artist and Cornish alumni returns to her alma mater to have a show of new work in the Cornish School main gallery on the first floor, Sept. 21 – Oct. 20. Opening reception on Sept. 21 at 5 p.m., 1000 Lenora St.
Nha Vuu has a show, “Twilight,” that captures the moment when clarity is imperfect and the imagination is stimulated by intuition. On view through Oct. 22 at Fenomena Gallery at 200 Roy St. #104, (206) 213-0080 or log on to www.NhaVuu.com.
“Tastes Like Chicken!” is the title of a show of whimsical creatures by Karin Yamagiwa Madan at Fresh Flours at 6015 Phinney Ave. N. Through September.
The artwork of Hung Pham is on view at La Rousse located at Fourth & Virginia through September – 430 Virginia, (206) 448-1515.
“Textures Of Contemporary Vietnam: New Work in Lacquer by Khanh Bui & Phong” combines the traditional technique of layering lacquer with textural elements and a modern edge. Through September: ArtXchange at 512 First Ave. S., (206) 839-0377.
Two contemporary Chinese artists, Xiaoze Xie and Ying-Yueh Chuang* (see article) have a show together at Davidson Contemporary. 310 S. Washington. On view through September, (206) 624-7684, www.davidsongalleries.com.
Sara Osebold presents “Four Stages of Snow,” a new work in the Backspace Installation space of SOIL Gallery through September. Osebold’s installations reference landscape, natural history, science and the culinary in a curious, playful process – 112 Third Ave. S., (206) 264-8061. Also look for a new installation in November at the Tacoma Contemporary Woolworth Windows Installation.
Twenty-five new paintings by Z. Z. Wei reveal his deep fascination with the varied terrains and highways of the Northwest. Through September, Patricia Rovzar Gallery at 118 Central Way in Kirkland, (425) 889-4627, www.rovzargallery.com.
Jesianne Asagi* has a work-in-progress wall installation at Black Bottle Gastrotavern on First & Vine.
“Bi Bim Pop” showcases new work by Junichi Tsuneoka whose “California Roll Stylie” combines the visual and conceptual fusion of Japanese pop and U.S. urban cultures. Through September, VAIN at 2018 First Ave., (206) 441-3441, www.vain.com.
David Choe has shown his art on every surface imaginable from human bodies to canvases to war-torn walls. His art dispenses with the notion that there is a separation between “street” and “fine” art. On view through Oct. 13, BLVD Gallery at 2316 Second Ave., www.blvdart.com.
Saya Moriyasu’s* last ceramic figurative installation was hauntingly spare and beautiful, which has many of us eagerly awaiting the debut of her new work at Gallery4Culture in October – 101 Prefontaine Pl. S., (206) 296-8674.
“A Circular Route,” sculptural paintings that explore pattern within a cultural and personal context by June Sekiguchi* opens Oct. 5 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Vidya Gallery. On view through Oct. 31, 619 Western, second floor, (206) 624-7966.
“Breath-Memory”* is the title of a show by Etsuko Ichikawa in the SOIL Backspace Oct. 5 – 28. The artist captures the moment by blowing and capturing her own breath on molten glass, 112 Third Ave. S., (206) 624-8061.
The SAM Gallery – Art Sales & Rental, has a group show entitled “Structures – Patterns of Organization in a Built Environment”* including the work of Tram Bui. Also in the show is Etsuko Ichikawa whose window installation entitled “Floating Geometry” integrates architectural and geometric structures. On view through Oct. 14. The work of Kensuke Yamada is included in a group show entitled, “In Focus : Catherine Person Gallery” also on view through Sept. 30 – 1220 Third Ave., (206) 343-1101.
A Chinese painting exhibit will be on view through Oct. 6 at the Tacoma Community College Gallery. Work will feature the traditional Gong Bi Style. Artists include Xu Xue Fwa, Yan Feng and Zhao Xiao-wei along with local students Evelyn Chan, Amy Sie and Patsy Surh O’Connell. Sponsored by the Asian Pacific Cultural Center. Free. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. M- F, 6501 S. 19th St., (253) 460-4306, www.tacomacc.edu.
Women Beyond Borders is an international arts organization that promotes the cross-cultural education of women’s and girl’s issues through traveling exhibitions. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this important organization, artists will honor extraordinary women by collaborating with them through the creation of an art box. Local artist June Sekiguchi will work in collaboration with noted political activist Yuri Kochiyama who was active in the African American and human rights movements and a close friend of Malcolm X. The group show of these collaborations will open with a reception on Oct. 25 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the World Trade Center at 2800 Alaskan Way, #410. For information, contact [email protected]
911 Media Arts Center present Yuki Nakamura and Robert Campbell’s “Floating Plaster/City Motion,”* a work that integrates formal aesthetics with architectonic video projections of animated imagery. Through Oct. 27, 402 Ninth N., (206) 682-6552.
An appropriately entitled show, “fresh!* – contemporary takes on nature & allegory” curated by Julie Cho Bailer features the work of younger artists from around the world, many making their Seattle or American debut. The work of Takagi Masakatsu and Saeko Takagi, Gordon Cheung and Xiaoqing (Jenny) Ding is included. Through Dec. 31. Museum of Glass/International Center for Contemporary Art in Tacoma, (253) 284-3009.
Carolyn Staley Fine Japanese Prints include woodblock prints from Ishikawa Toraji’s landscape series, “Inland Sea” this month – boats in colorful swirling water done in the style of French Art Deco. New acquisitions from Japan appear in late September and a collection of stencils in October. The Web site features illustrations from “The Tale of Genji” all fall – 2001 Western Ave., # 320, (206) 621-1888, www.carolynstaleyprints.com.
A Special 17th Chinese Book Expo runs through Oct. 8. This event showcases books on the arts of Asia. Seattle branch of Ming’s Asian Gallery, 519 Sixth S. For information, call (425) 462-4008.
Kensuke Yamada* is a young Japanese ceramic sculptor. His work exudes a whimsical charm bordering on the surreal that grows on you. “Dwell” is the new show he shares with painter Colleen Haywood at the Catherine Person Gallery. Opening reception on Oct. 5 from 6 – 8 p.m. On view through Nov. 11, 319 Third Ave. S., (206) 763-5565, www.catherinepersongallery.com.
Chinese artist Long Gao shows a variety of work including ink paintings, oils, wood carvings and “image seal cuttings” at the Roosevelt Hotel. On view through September, 4531 Seventh Ave., Second Floor, (206) 467-6951.
The work of Gerard Tsutakawa is in the West Edge Sculpture Invitational on view through Oct. 29 in Benaroya Hall and the Harbor Steps on University Ave., www.westedgesculpture.com.
The work of Yi Liang is in a group show, “Trees: An Interpretation” through Sept. 30. Linda Hodges Gallery at 316 First Ave. S., (206) 624-3034.
Last chance to catch Sandy Lew Hailer’s “Little Black Dress”* show at Mitchelli’s Gallery Bar through Sept. 30. Known for her metal art, Hailer fashions sophisticated black dresses out of garbage bags and found material that show a sense of satire and creativity. 89 Yesler, (206) 623-3883.
The “sumi” landscapes of Jung Youn are included in a group show of work depicting nature entitled “A Natural Inspiration” on view through Oct. 4 at Green River Gallery at Green River Community College on the Enumclaw campus, 1399 Griffine Ave. in Enumclaw, (360) 825-3594.
“Between Clouds of Memory: The Ceramic Art of Akio Takamori”* is a mid-career retrospective of the UW ceramic professor. On view through Oct. 8. Following a slide lecture and gallery talk, Akio Takamori will give a ceramic demonstration on Sept. 30, 10:30 – 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required by calling (253) 272-4258 x3030. Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., (253) 272-4258.
Wing Luke Asian Museum: “These Walls Can Speak: Untold Stories from Three Historic Buildings.” Through Dec. 10. “Voyage of the Barangay – Filipino Currents in King County” is a new show opening Oct. 6 and on display through Dec. 10. The show highlights the presence of Filipinos in King County and the contributions of Filipino culture to the region. Produced by the Filipino National Historical Society (FAHNS). The last show at the present facility before the museum makes their move to the Kong Yick Building is a group show of contemporary art entitled “How The Soy Sauce Was Bottled: Uncommon Stories of Common Objects”* which runs from Jan. 4 – November 2007. In it, five contemporary artists will rise to the challenge of creating new works based on artifacts, photos and documentation in the museum’s permanent collection. Artists include James Lawrence Ardena, Susie Jungune Lee, Saya Moriyasu, June Sekiguchi and Heinrich Toh. 407 Seventh Ave. S., (206) 623-5124.
“Akio Takamori: The Laughing Monks” brings the UW professor of ceramics to the gallery to re-examine their collection of three-dimensional objects. Takamori creates a pair of installations combining objects from the collection with his own sculpture. On view till Oct. 22. Also the catalogue for the recent Maya Lin exhibit has just been published and is now available in the bookstore. Visit www.henryart.org or call (206) 543-2280. 15th Ave. N.E. & N.E. 41st St.
KOBO at Higo has a number of ceramic-related shows and events set for the new fall season. On view now is a group show featuring the work of Oregon potter Hiroshi Ogawa and his associates through Oct. 7. Ceramic artist Hiro Yoshihara shows his new work Oct. 14 – Nov. 11 with the opening reception on Oct. 14 from 6 – 8 p.m. The 2nd Annual Simple Cup Invitational displays over 300 hand-made cups by 60 nationally-known and internationally-known American artists, Nov. 11 – Dec. 31. Reception is Nov. 11 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., 604 S. Jackson, (206) 381-3000.
The Seattle Asian Art Museum presents “A Northwest Summer,” the title for a series of six exhibitions set to run through Oct. 15. Johsel Namkung’s* large color photographs of nature entitled “Elegant Earth” is amongst them. Accompanying catalogue to the show, “Ode To The Earth,” has just been published by Cosgrove Editions and is available at the museum or bwww.cosgroveweb.com. Video artist Shirin Neshat’s “Tooba”* installation will be on view at the museum through Oct. 15 as well. Yukiko Shirahara addresses “The Story of White Path between Two Rivers: a 14th Century Masterpiece” on Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m. Chiyo Ishikawa’s talk is “When the Avant-gare Looked Backward: Paolo Uccello and Episodes from ‘the Aeneid’” on Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m. Call (206) 332-1341. Art history lecture series for members only – 1400 E. Prospect St. (206) 654-3100. www.seattleartmuseum.org.
Pilchuck Glass School hosts a one-night juried exhibition featuring over 250 original artworks in glass. “Pilchuck on Display: An Exhibition of International Glass Art” will be held Oct. 12 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the Westin Seattle’s Grand Ballroom at 1900 Fifth Ave. A highlight of this show will be the work of nine Korean artists. Free and open to the public. All works will be auctioned off the following night, Oct. 13. (206) 621-8422×50.
The Burke Museum presents a pair of connected shows together. “Vanished Kingdoms: The Wulsin Photos of China, Tibet, & Mongolia, 1921 – 25” present rare images of that part of Asia along with “Sacred Portraits – Eleven Tibetan Thangkas “(large painted portraits on cloth from the Museum’s own collection). Both shows open on Nov. 4. N.E. 45th & 17th N.E., (206) 543-5590.
The evocative images of ancestors fill the art of MalPina Chan* who has a solo show September at Patricia Cameron Gallery, 234 Dexter Ave. N., (206) 343-9647.
Joanne Kim is in a three-person show entitled “Keeping Score” at Critical Line, a new exhibition project of ArtRod. Through Oct. 1, 741 St. Helens in Tacoma, (253) 444-2741, www.ArtRod.org.
Across from the Maryhill Museum in Goldendale, Wash. will sit “Maryhill Double,”* artists Annie Han & Danial Mihalyo’s (Lead Pencil Studio) full-scale architectural double of the museum, made entirely out of scaffolding and construction netting. On Route 14 just west of U.S. 9 in Goldendale, (509) 773-3733 or e-mail [email protected] Or visit www.leadpencilstudio.com
London-based, India-born artist/writer Sutapa Biswas shows a new video and works on paper. All work inspired through literary references and feminist influences that deal with her cultural identity. Through Sept. 30, Elizabeth Leach Gallery in Portland. 417 N.W. Ninth Ave., (503) 224-0521, www.elizabethleach.com.
Michihiro Kosuge has new granite sculpture from organic to geometric on view at Laura Russo Gallery in Portland. Till Sept. 30, 805 N.W. 21st Ave., (503) 226-2754, www.laurarusso.com.
“Concrete Language” is a group show exploring the genre of concrete poetry around the globe. Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries from South Korea has work included. Through Nov. 5, Contemporary Art Gallery in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, www.contemporaryartgallery.ca
Ed Pien’s “Promise of Solitude” is on view through Oct. 21 at Centre A, The Vancouver Centre for Contemporary Asian Art – 2 West Hastings, (604) 683-8326, www.centrea.org.
The work of Mariko Mori and Yayoi Kusama is included in a group show entitled “Fantastic Frameworks: Architectural Utopias and Designs for Life.” Opens Oct. 6 and on view through Dec. 3 at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in Victoria, B.C., www.aggv.bc.ca.
Perfroming Arts
s also a gifted vocalist and drummer. He will display all these gifts in a recital on Sept. 24 at 5 p.m., Benaroya Hall downtown, (206) 292-ARTS.
The 5th Avenue Theatre opens their season with “Bombay Dreams,” a dazzling entertainment spectacle with glittering costumes, a lush score and exotic dance numbers. Through Oct. 1, (206) 625-1900 or toll free at 888-5TH-4TIX. 5thavenue.org.
See Mikano Fukaya as the Head Curator in “The Museum Play,” a sci-fi play with philosophical and strange twists in the plot. WA Ensemble Theatre. Little Theatre, 608 19th Ave. E., 1-800-838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com. Through Sept. 25.
Catch the world premiere of the REACT production of Jean Davies Okamoto’s “Uncle Hideki and The Empty Nest”* which will benefit NWAAT (see related article). The play is a charming sequel to NWAAT’s hit play about retirement, family love and the ties that bind. Through Oct. 8, Theatre Off Jackson. REACT also presents a staged reading of Jessica Blank and Eric Jensen’s “The Exonerated” on Nov. 19 at 4 p.m. at Elliott Bay Book Co. REACT presents a special storytime reading of the Chinese folktale, “The Seven Chinese Brothers” as part of Winterfest, Seattle Center Centerhouse on Dec. 22 at 12:15 p.m., (206) 234-3283.
Kazue Sawai,* one of the pioneers of modern koto in Japan, will come to Seattle to perform “Homura: Bursting Into Flames” at Cornish College of the Arts on Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. Sawai, though well-versed in the tradition, is known for pushing the envelope and taking the ancient instrument of the koto into new, modern, improvisational settings. Poncho Concert Hall at Kerry Hall, 710 E. Roy, (206) 325-6500 or log on to www.cornish.edu.
Pacific Northwest Ballet* scored high marks with a new director and some new dancers and productions last year. This year, besides the classic crowd pleasers such as “Swan Lake” and “Nutcracker,” many new programs include four new-to-PNB productions, a World Premiere by Victor Quijada and a program of ballets by choreographers who have lived and worked in the Northwest – (206) 441-2424 or log on to www.pnb.org.
Seattle Public Library celebrates the traditional Asian holiday of Mid-Autumn Festival with a series of programs through Sept. 30. Weiya Zhang, Miss Seattle 2006, presents a pre-school story time in English on Sept. 30 from 2 – 2:30 p.m. at the Central Branch’s Microsoft Auditorium, Level 1. Following the reading, Van-Lang Cultural Vietnamese School will present a children’s fashion show – 1000 Fourth Ave. Zhang also presents pre-school story times at the following locations: the ID Chinatown Branch on Sept. 20 at 10:30 a.m., (206) 386-1300. The Columbia City Branch on Sept. 22 at 10:30 a.m., (206) 386-1908. The Capitol Hill Branch on Sept. 27 at 10:30 a.m., (206) 684-4715. Sept. 29 at the North End Branch at 10:30 a.m., (206) 684-7539. On Sept. 30, the Huong Viet Dan Tranh Ensemble performs traditional Vietnamese music and the Melody Institute performs traditional Chinese dance – 4:30 – 6 p.m., Seattle Central Library downtown, (206) 386-4636.
Earshot Jazz Festival is Oct. 19 – Nov. 5 at various venues around the Puget Sound area. Already booked is Paris-based Nguyen Le* who will bring his group, Tiger’s Tail, the wonderful composer/pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi, local rising piano talent Victor Noriega and his trio and dozens of others – (206) 547-9787 or www.earshotjazz.org.
SIS Productions has the NW premiere of Michael Golanco’s “Cowboy Versus Samurai.” It’s a romantic comedy that explores the sexual dynamics that surface around race when an attractive Korean American woman moves to town. Oct. 20 – Nov. 8, Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., (206) 325-6500.
The Porkfilled Players perform their Asian American sketch comedy in a new program entitled “Go East, Young Ham” which probes the eternal battle of East vs. West – the Geisha vs. the saloon girl: Oct. 27 – Nov. 17 at the Hugo House.
“Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls” takes place in a pet store in New York, the beaches of Hawai’i and Xmas in Alaska and is Naomi Iizuka’s latest play to surface in Seattle. Plays Nov. 7, 8, 9 and 11 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. Cornish College of the Arts’ Raisbeck Performance Hall, 2015 Boren Ave., (206) 726-5011 or log on to www.cornish.edu.
Diversified International Cultural Entertainment (DICE) presents a concert entitled “Voice & Strings II”* featuring some of the Puget Sound’s premiere Filipino American artists. Singer Stephanie Reese, guitarist Angelo Pizzaro and jazz pianist Victor Noriega join forces to perform Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at Benaroya Hall downtown, (206) 850-2010 for information. For tickets, call (206) 292-ARTS or log on to www.ticketmaster.com.
Cornish Dance Theater Fall 2006 Concert features choreography by Cornish dance instructor Pat Hon & others Nov. 17 at 8 p.m., Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Broadway Performance Hall at 1625 Broadway, (206) 726-5011.
Site-Specific/2006 King County Performance Network will put performers in a series of site-specific art happenings outside of the usual indoor venues integrating them into the daily life, work and play of King County residents. Through November 2006 all around King County. Composer/performer Byron Au Yong is one of the participants. For details email [email protected]
As part of the Rainer Valley Cultural Center’s Arts Gumbo Series, the Hmong will present an end of harvest season New Year celebration. Nov. 3, (206) 760-4287.
Are you a hip but poor fashionista dying to see the latest fashions from Japan but can’t afford the airfare? Then check this out: The 2006 Fashion Show – “Eyes-Reflections”* by the Bunka Women’s University International Fashion And Cultural Studies Department from Tokyo, Japan gives their students a chance to strut their latest fashions down the runway. Oct. 8 with two different shows at 2 and 4:30 p.m. Seattle Central Community College’s Broadway Performance Hall. Free. (425) 483-5974.
Deems plays jazz piano as part of the Argosy Cruises new “Sunday Brunch Jazz Cruise Series” Oct. 8. Boards at 11 a.m. at Pier 56. Through Oct. 22, (206) 623-1445, www.sct.org.
On The Boards continues to bring in some refreshing new performance groups to Seattle. The Japanese dance troupe, Pappa Tarahumara* make their West Coast debut Jan. 31 – Feb. 4 at the OTB Studio Theatre. Their take on Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” unravels into a steamy meditation on female identity, coming of age and the Japanese obsession with youth culture. UW professor and local author, Sasha Su-Ling Welland will do a free pre-show talk on Pappa Tarahumara’s performance on Jan. 31 at 6:45 p.m. in the Mainstage Lobby. Vancouver, B.C.-based Theatre Replacement make their U.S. debut with “Sexual Practices of the Japanese”* Feb. 22 – 24 at the Merrill Wright Mainstage Theater. www.ontheboards.org – 100 W. Roy St., (206) 217-9888.
Internationally-known master of Chinese martial arts, T. Y. Pang performs “A Dance of Spiritual Life” on Oct. 7 at Museum of History and Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E., www.brownpapertickets.com.
Paris-based “butoh”-inspired performance group, Sankai Juku* has a long history with this city and are a perennial favorite. They return with a new piece on Nov. 21, Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., (206) 292-ARTS or www.theparamount.com. Presented by Seattle Theatre Group.
Seattle Symphony has another season at Benaroya Hall filled with interesting performances highlighted by the return visit of Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble. Pianist Barry Douglas performs “Black Swan” by Bright Sheng Sept. 28 – Oct. 1 as part of his program. Violinist Stefan Jackiw performs Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto Oct. 5 – 8. With an Oct. 8 concert ticket, you can meet Assistant Conductor Carolyn Kuan free on Oct. 8 at noon in Soundbridge. Kuan will be conducting music specifically for children at Benaroya throughout the year as part of the “Discover Music!/ Meet The Beat” series (Oct. 21, 25 & 28, Jan. 13, 16 & 20, March 10 & 17, April 14, May 8, 11 & 12). Pianist Freddy Kempf* makes his SSO debut on Feb. 8, 10 & 11 with Grieg’s Piano Concerto. The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma* makes a welcome return to Seattle March 12 & 13 with music from that part of Asia. Violinist Chee-Yun* makes her SSO debut with Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” on March 15, 17 & 18. Sitarist Anouushka Shankar* brings her group Rise to SSO to move beyond the classical tradition and mix sounds from the world music realm and beyond on April 9. (206) 215-4747 or 1-866-833-4747. www.seattlesymphony.org.
Seattle Chamber Players bring Japanese composer Toshio Hosokawa to Seattle to perform one of his major works in a program entitled “The Singing Garden of Toshio Hosokawa”* on Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall.
Conductor Fusao Kajima brings out the Bellevue Philharmonic for a program of Glinka, Prokofiev and Dvorak from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth in Bellevue, (425) 455-4171 or www.bellevuephil.org.
Written Arts
Kinokuniya presents local author Rebecca Brown* reading from her books “Annie Oakley’s Gift” and “The Gifts of The Body.” Brown’s books resonate with Japanese audiences and have been best sellers there. Consequently, this reading will be bilingual with translations in Japanese for the local Japanese audience. Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m., Panama Tea & Coffee House at Sixth & Main, (206) 587-2477.
Elliot Bay Book Company. Sasha So-ling Welland reads from “A Thousand Miles of Dreams: The Journey of Two Chinese Sisters” co-presented with Hedgebrook, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. James Kynge presents a reading/discussion of his book, “China Shakes The World”* (Houghton Mifflin), a powerful look at the people and politics behind China’s influence on the U.S. and around the world. Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. Meg Tilly,* best known for her roles in films such as “The Big Chill” and “Agnes of God” comes to Seattle to read from her latest novel, “Gemma” (Syren Book Co.) on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 at Village Books in Bellingham. Michael Zielenziger will read from “Shutting Out The Sun: How Japan Treated Its Own Lost Generation” on Oct. 23. This reading is at Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. All other readings at Elliott Bay Book Co., 101 S. Main, (206) 624-6600.
The University Book Store. Marjorie Pivar reads from “Fourth Uncle in the Mountain: The Remarkable Legacy of a Buddhist Itinerant Doctor in Vietnam”* (St. Martins) on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. Emily Wu and Larry Engelman discuss “Feather in the Storm: A Childhood Lost in Chaos” (Pantheon), a compelling account of growing up in China during the Cultural Revolution. On Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. Bharti Kirchner, Kim Barnes and Claire Davis all read from “Kiss Tomorrow Hello: Notes From The Midlife Underground by Twenty-five Women Over Forty” (Doubleday) on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. Katherine Min reads from “Secondhand World” (Knopf), a coming-of-age novel of a daughter who struggles to negotiate between her parents’ Korean past and her American present Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. – 4326 University Way N.E. (206) 643-3400.
Lawney L. Reyes, the author of his own autobiography on UW Press, will read from his latest book, “Bernie Whitebear: An Urban Indian’s Quest for Justice.” This book is a biography of his own brother and famed local NW Indian leader. Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Burke Room of the Burke Museum on the UW campus, N.E. 45th & 17th Ave. N.E., (206) 543-5590 or www.burkemuseum.org.
Film & Video
Examiner Film Editor
Currently Showing
RIDING ALONE FOR
THOUSANDS OF MILES
Director/Co-writer: Zhang Yimou
Cast: Ken Takakura, Shinobu Terajima
Rating: PG
Hoping to bridge the gap between himself and his dying son Kenichi, a fan of Chinese folk music, Takata travels across China’s heartland to find famous opera singer Li Jiamin (playing himself) and videotape his performance of the legendary song, “Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles.” As Takata begins his odyssey, he encounters strangers who color his journey and allow him to discover kindness and a sense of family he thought he had lost long ago. Playing at the Metro Cinemas in Seattle
THE PROTECTOR
Director/Writer: Prachya Pinkaew
Cast: Tony Jaa, Mum Jokmok, Xing Jing
Rating: R
“The Protector” is the highly anticipated full-bodied action film starring International Martial Arts superstar, Tony Jaa (“Ong Bak”). His world shaped by ancient traditions, a young Thai fighter (Jaa) is called to defend his people and their honor after outsiders ruin all that is sacred. Fueled by desire to protect a way of life and avenge the wrong done to his family, he will bring the fight to their city.
Sept. 22
JET LI’S FEARLESS
Director: Ronnie Yu
Cast: Jet Li, Betty Sun, Dong Yong, Shido Nakamura, Collin Chou
Rating: PG-13
In his final martial arts masterpiece, Jet Li portrays legendary fighter Huo Yuanjia. Bullied in his youth, Huo resolves to teach himself how to fight — and win. Years of training enables him to ace match after match, but as his fame grows, so does his pride. After an ill-advised fight leads to another master’s death, members of Huo’s family are slain in revenge. Grieving and ashamed, Huo wanders the country in shock. After being rescued from near death by village women, Huo takes steps to come to terms with his past and restore his family’s name.
Sept. 26
Chasing Daybreak:
A Film About Mixed Race in America
The MAVIN Foundation presents this film that follows five Generation MIX crew members as they journey across the country in an RV and spark discussions about race. 6:30 p.m., Central Cinema, 1411 21st Ave., (206) 622-7107.
Sept. 29-Oct. 5
VAJRA SKY OVER TIBET
The director of this documentary calls it a “cinematic pilgrimage to central Tibet.” Traveling through breathtaking Himalayan terrain and journeying to legendary temples, monasteries and festivals, the film bears witness to the indomitable faith of Tibet’s Buddhist community today and the threat to its survival. One of the rare films to be shot entirely in Tibet, it has received the blessing and endorsement of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Plays at the Metro Cinemas in Seattle
Oct. 17
In The Realms of The Unreal:
The Mystery of Henry Darger
As part of the educational activities accompanying the show “Henry Darger: Highlights from the American Folk Art Museum” (on view till Oct. 29), the Frye Art Museum presents a screening of Jessica Yu’s film, a sensitive, haunting study of the world of this “outsider” artist at 7 p.m. The filmmaker will be in attendance to introduce her film and answer questions. 704 Terry, (206) 622-9250 www.fryemuseum.org.
Oct. 20
DOA: DEAD OR ALIVE
Director: Corey Yuen
Cast: Devon Aoki, Sarah Carter, Natassia Malthe, Jamie Pressly, Eric Roberts
Rating: PG-13
Four voluptuous girls, each with unique fighting styles, are invited to the “Dead or Alive” world fighting tournament on an exotic island.
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Ryan Phillippe, Jesse Bradford, Adam Beach, Paul Walker, Jamie Bell, Barry Pepper
Not Yet Rated
The film explores the story behind the inspiring photo of six American soldiers that became a symbol of victory to a nation weary of World War II. While some of the flag raisers would not survive the war, those who did had no interest in being held up as symbols; they wanted only to stay on the front with their brothers in arms who were fighting and dying without fanfare or glory. The film is based on the bestselling book co-authored by James Bradley.
Oct. 27
ZEN NOIR
Director/Writer: Marc Rosenbush
Cast: Duane Sharp, Kim Chan, Howard Fong
Unrated
A nameless “noir” detective, still mourning the loss of his wife, investigates a mysterious death in a Buddhist temple, but his logical, left-brained crime-solving skills are useless in the intuitive, non-linear world of Zen. Increasingly confused, haunted by his dead wife’s ghost, and with his investigation going nowhere, the detective finds himself drawn into a deeper, darker, more personal mystery. He must confront terrifying questions about love and loss, and a startling realization: the mystery he’s there to solve isn’t a murder, but the mystery of death itself. Will play at the Varsity Theatre in Seattle.
December
THE PAINTED VEIL
Director: John Curran
Cast: Naomi Watts, Edward Norton
Not Yet Rated
A love story set in the 1920s about a young English couple: Walter, a middle class doctor, and Kitty, an upper-class woman, who get married for the wrong reasons and relocate to Shanghai, where she falls in love with someone else. When Walter uncovers her infidelity, in an act of vengeance, he accepts a job in a remote village in China ravaged by a deadly epidemic, and takes her along.
