Shochiku to Present Wonder KABUKI Spectacle "SHI-SHI-O" with Special Support by Panasonic in Las Vegas, May 2016

-Festive Theatrical Kabuki Performance & Exciting New Fountain Show-

TOKYO, January 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Shochiku Co. Ltd. will be presenting this coming May "Japan KABUKI Festival in Las Vegas 2016" in Las Vegas, Nevada, in succession to the performance that took place in the Fountains of Bellagio in August 2015. The event will be supported again by MGM Resorts International, and a Kabuki performance titled "Panasonic presents Wonder KABUKI Spectacle at MGM Grand 'SHI-SHI-O: The Adventures of the Mythical Lion'" will take place in a theater in Las Vegas, along with yet another exciting fountain show.

(Photo: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/opn/release/201601197145/ )

In August 2015, Kabuki actor Ichikawa Somegoro starred in an original fountain show that integrated Kabuki, the waterworks of choreographed fountains, and a video projection created by Japan's leading digital artists, which was an enormous success.

For May 2016, an original new Kabuki play will be created specially for the David Copperfield Theater in MGM Grand, featuring Ichikawa Somegoro and in collaboration with technological artwork. Also at the Fountains of Bellagio, in succession to last year's critically acclaimed performance, a new version
incorporating the fountain choreography with a video projection, thematized on the aesthetics of the four seasons in Japan, will take place. This project is sponsored by Panasonic Corporation and several other organizations. Furthermore, with the technical cooperation of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Shochiku and the company will research and explore together high-tech entertainment. The spatial design and video projection will be created by internationally renowned media artist groups from Japan: the performance in the theater will be in collaboration with NAKED Inc., and the fountain show will be in continuation to last year's collaboration with teamLab Inc.

Shochiku is excited to present this unique collaboration between cutting-edge technology and the traditional Kabuki theater of "Japan KABUKI Festival in Las Vegas 2016," in a city abundant in exciting entertainment and where people from all over the world visit.

Key objectives of this event:
1. In view of the expansion of inbound tourism in Japan, Shochiku aims to develop new content for an international audience.
2. The performance at David Copperfield Theater in Las Vegas this year will be the core of "Japan KABUKI Festival in Las Vegas 2016."
3. Shochiku strives to create new content based on Kabuki that integrates the latest technology and unique performance settings to cater towards a diverse audience.
4. The performance in 2015 took place outdoors in the Fountains of Bellagio, and this year the main event will take place inside a theater. Shochiku aims to create a production that features the entertaining characteristics of Kabuki in an imaginative setting and using creative staging.

Produced by:
SHOCHIKU CO., LTD.

With the special support and technical cooperation of:
PANASONIC CORPORATION

With the technical cooperation of:
NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION

With the support of:
D.A.G Inc.
HAKKAISAN BREWERY CO., LTD.
SECOM CO., LTD.
SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION

Spatial Creation: NAKED Inc. (Kabuki Theatrical Performance)
Video Art: teamLab Inc. (Water Fountain Show)

In cooperation with:
MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL

Project Outline:
-Title: Japan KABUKI Festival in Las Vegas 2016
-Date: Tuesday, May 3 - Saturday, May 7, 2016
-Presenter & Producer: Shochiku Co., Ltd.

1. Kabuki Theatrical Performance

Panasonic presents Wonder KABUKI Spectacle at MGM Grand
"Shi-Shi-O: The Adventures of the Mythical Lion"

Venue: MGM Grand, David Copperfield Theater (planned to be 600 - 700 seats)

Date: May 3 (Tue.) - May 7 (Sat.), 2016 (TBC)
7 evening performances (2 performances on Friday and Saturday)
*Show times TBA

Artists:
Ichikawa Somegoro,

Ichikawa Komazo, Nakamura Kasho, Otani Hirotaro, Nakamura Yonekichi, Nakamura
Hayato,

Nakamura Karoku

Tickets: Tickets sold in Japan will be inclusive in an official tourist package.

Please refer to the "Japan KABUKI Festival" official website for details:
http://www.kabuki-bito.jp/japankabuki/

Information regarding ticket purchase in the U.S.: TBA

2. Water Fountain Show

Date & Time: TBA

Venue: Fountains of Bellagio

Please refer to the official website for up-to-date information regarding the Japan KABUKI Festival:
Official website: http://www.kabuki-bito.jp/japankabuki/

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shochiku-to-present-wonder-kabuki-spectacle-shi-shi-o-with-special-support-by-panasonic-in-las-vegas-may-2016-300206075.html

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