In Conversation: Lantern’s panel discussion explores the themes of 36 VIEWS

Lantern, In Conversation 36 VIEWS promo adIn conjunction with its Philadelphia premiere of Naomi Iizuka’s 36 VIEWS (read Christopher Munden’s review here), Lantern Theater Company continues its audience-engagement series “In Conversation” with a panel discussion on “Art-World Movers and Shakers” to explore the art-related themes raised in the production.

Taking its name from a series of woodblock prints (1826-33) depicting three dozen different views of Mt. Fuji by Katsushika Hokusai–a renowned and influential master of Japan’s Edo Era–the shifting vantage points and changing conditions in the 36 scenes of the play are inspired by the art of ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world.” It’s a plot filled with twists and turns, as seen through the divergent perspectives of unscrupulous art dealers, duplicitous artists, and duped scholars.

Moderated by the Lantern’s Associate Artistic Director Kathryn MacMillan, the discussion will address such issues in the contemporary art world as the aesthetic versus the economic value of art; the process of authenticating original works and detecting forgeries; and the laws and ethics of dealing in international cultural treasures. The panel is comprised of Richard Cervantes, a specialist certified in USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) who currently serves as the Department Head for Asian Arts at Freeman’s, America’s oldest auction house; Dr. Linda Chance, an Associate Professor of Japanese Language and Literature in the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Pennsylvania; and performing artist and stage manage Asaki Kuruma, who served as the Artistic Consultant for the Lantern’s production.  

Following a question-and-answer exchange with the audience, the event will conclude with an informal wine-and-dessert reception, in which attendees are invited to continue the conversation with the panelists.

 

[St. Stephen’s Theater, 10th & Ludlow Sts.] Monday, June 20, 2016, 7 pm; lanterntheater.org.

 

 

 

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