The first presentation of the Opera Studies Forum features a well-known Japanese author and the screening of a recently composed opera, in collaboration with the International Writing Program, the International Programs, the Center for Asian and Pacific Studies, and the Department of Asian Languages and Literature, and the Department of Cinema & Comparative Literature.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 107 EPB, Masahiko Shimada will host a screening of the 2004 opera Jr. Butterfly (a sequel to Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, that tells of the tragic romance of Butterfly’s son). Mr. Shimada will give an introduction to this opera, for which he wrote the libretto to music composed by Shigeaki Saegusa. The originalperformance was recorded at the 2006 Puccini Festival. Mr. Shimada will also be available to answer questions.

Mr. Shimada is (b. 1961) is an award-winning author, one of the most decorated writers and commentators in Japan today. In addition to writing numerous fiction publications, Shimada founded and directed a successful theater group during the 1990s and continues to work in performing arts. He currently teaches at Hosei University. In June-July of this year he presented a television lecture series on opera (eight 25-minute programs), which was broadcast by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation.