Heisei Nakamura-Za's Hokaibo @ Lincoln Center

Without a doubt, one of the most amazing things I have ever seen on stage.

Wouldn't it be great if artists in the United States could be recognized as "National Living Treasures"?

The story is disturbing - full of rape, murder, and unfettered greed; but the whole thing is pretty damn marvelous.The performances are unbelievable (vocally, physically, conceptually - everything about it), the comedy so well crafted, there is singing, dancing, acrobatics, exquisite costumes and makeup, severed limb puppets, cherry blossom petals falling from the sky...

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/15/theater/15gure.html