2025 Japan Lecture Series with The Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania, Then and Now: Japanese Performing Arts, April 17.

The Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania will present "Then and Now: Japanese Performing Arts" on April 17, part of its 2025 Japan Lecture Series.

As Artistic Director, Yoko Shioya has carried out the Japan Society’s Performing Arts Program mission of presenting works inspired by the arts and culture of Japan in New York City and beyond. Her award-winning curation of about 200 programs of Japanese theater, dance, and music spans the very traditional to the most cutting edge. In this year of special programming celebrating her accomplishments over the past twenty years, Yoko will join us in Pittsburgh to share an update on her perspective of the evolutions in the field to ways in which artists are innovating and keeping traditions alive.

Join the JASP on April 17, 2025 for a lecture about the performing arts landscape inside and outside of Japan. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided.

Yoko Shioya became head of Japan Society’s Performing Arts program in 2004 and Artistic Director in 2006. Her many contributions including increasing commissions for new non-Japanese works about Japanese culture, expanded North American tours, readings for contemporary plays in English, and the JAPAN CUTS film festival. Shioya received BAs in musicology and dance history from Tokyo University of the Arts. In Japan, she is known as a writer and researcher on the arts, presenting at various symposia, TV programs, cultural institutions, and as a writer for the Asahi Newspaper.

The event runs from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the JVH Auditorium in Thayer Hall at Point Park University downtown (map). The event is free, but registration is required.

American premiere of Miss Julie, adapted by Amy Ng, in Pittsburgh April 18 through May 4.

The Pittsburgh International Classic Theatre will present a production of Miss Julie, adapted by Amy Ng, from April 18 through May 4.

Following on the heels of the hit productions in London and Hong Kong, PICT is thrilled to stage the AMERICAN PREMIERE of this brilliant adaptation of August Strindberg’s classic play by acclaimed playwright Amy Ng.

It’s Chinese New Year in post-World War II Hong Kong. Julie is the daughter of the island’s former British governor newly released from the Japanese internment camp. When her father is away for the holiday weekend, Miss Julie, who was raised in British colonial Hong Kong, comes downstairs to join the servants as they party initiating a sexually charged power game with her father’s Chinese chauffeur who is engaged to the kitchen servant Christine. What starts as a lark descends into a fight for survival as sex, power, money and race collide on a hot night in the Pearl River Delta.

There are three additional events surrounding the production:

• Asian Cultural Celebration - April 23
• Pre-theatre dinner with Amy Ng - April 26
• Film Screening and Adaptations Discussion - April 30

Tickets for the show and the events are available online. The performances are held at the Carnegie Stage at 25 West Main Street in Carngie (map).

Ocean Vuong, "The Emperor of Gladness" Reading and Conversation, May 20.

White Whale Bookstore will present Ocean Vuong and his "The Emperor of Gladness" Reading and Conversation at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall in Oakland on May 20.

White Whale Bookstore is thrilled to welcome bestselling author, award-winning poet, and MacArthur Genius Ocean Vuong back to Pittsburgh in celebration of his latest novel, The Emperor of Gladness! Join us May 20th at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall for an unforgettable evening.

Tickets are required to attend this event. Each ticket—except discounted student tickets— will include a signed copy of The Emperor of Gladness, to be picked up at the event. The author will not be personalizing books, or signing any books brought from home.

Can't attend this time? You can preorder The Emperor of Gladness here. For every confirmed preorder of this book, Penguin Press will donate $0.50 to Queer Liberation Library. Let them know you preordered here.

Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space in Between free guided tour, April 12 at Contemporary Craft.

Contemporary Craft will host a free guided tour for the Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space in Between exhibition on April 12. The tour runs from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and registration is required. The exhibition runs through May 16, two weeks longer than originally announced.

Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space in Between features a comprehensive survey of California-based artist, Keiko Fukazawa’s more than forty-year career, featuring new works alongside selected archival materials. Fukazawa is deeply influenced by her Japanese heritage and American environment, addressing themes of Asian pop culture and social issues through conceptual exploration. Her functional yet impractical interpretations of traditional forms serve as personal expressions that bridge cultural boundaries.

This exhibition is organized into three themes: “Culture Clash,” “ARTivism,” and “In Betweenness,” each one representing different stages of Fukazawa’s creative evolution. As an immigrant artist, Fukazawa draws on her experiences of navigating the space between cultures and identities, infusing her work with depth and resonance. Through her use of porcelain, Fukazawa highlights ceramic artistry, process, and history advocating for the medium’s importance in the contemporary world. Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective offers a compelling narrative of artistic journey and cultural dialogue, showcasing Fukazawa’s enduring commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the intersection of tradition, innovation and materiality with her practice.

Contemporary Craft is located at 5645 Butler St. in Lawrenceville (map).

"Visiting Artist Lecture Series: Joan Kee," April 15 at CMU School of Art.

The Carnegie Mellon University School of Art will host Joan Kee on April 15, parts of its Visiting Artist Lecture Series.

Joan Kee is Judy and Michael Steinhardt Director of the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University. A specialist in modern and contemporary art, her books include Contemporary Korean Art: Tansaekhwa and the Urgency of Method (2013), Models of Integrity: Art and Law in Post-Sixties America (2019), and The Geometries of Afro Asia: Art beyond Solidarity (2023) which was awarded the 2024 Robert Motherwell Book Award for a publication in the history and criticism of modernism in the arts. A contributing editor to Artforum and an editor-at-large for the Brooklyn Rail, Kee’s work has appeared in numerous venues including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, LACMA, and the Guggenheim Museum.

The talk runs from 5:30 to 7:00 pm in Kresge Theatre (map).

Jordan Wong Artist Talk and PRACTICE +/- Exhibit Walk Through, free, March 28 in Bakery Square.

The Portal Art Gallery in Bakery Square will host an Artist Talk and Exhibit Walk Through with Jordan Wong on March 28. The gallery provides an overview of the exhibit:

PRACTICE +/- shares the contemplations and visual dynamism of artist Jordan Wong (WONGFACE). Building on his recent exhibition, Play is Infinite, at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh (on view in 2025), this body of work furthers Wong’s imaginative exploration of the Ultimate Self, the endless possibilities of leveling up in life, and the transformative power of play.

The artwork is inspired by the question, 'What am I practicing?' It stems from the artist's ongoing examination of his own thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are repeated both consciously and—most importantly—subconsciously. The work also celebrates the philosophy that play inspires practice and, in turn, fosters greater play, emphasizing the power that comes from complete freedom to explore, experiment, and express.

Spanning a range of media, the exhibition blends traditional techniques like screen printing and aquatint etching with contemporary industrial processes such as digital UV printing and laser engraving. These dynamic methods reflect Wong’s layered approach, echoing his personal journey of identity as an artist and belonging as a second-generation Chinese American.

The event begins at 6:00 pm and is free and open to the public. The Portal Art Gallery is "located in the thoroughfare through Bakery Office One from Bakery Square Boulevard to East Liberty Boulevard" (map).

Pittsburgh Opera presents Madama Butterfly, featuring an entirely Japanese and Japanese-American creative team, from March 22.

Pittsburgh Opera will present Madama Butterfly from March 22 through March 30 with an entirely Japanese and Japanese-American creative team. PennsylvAsia readers can save 20% on tickets through an exclusive promo code.

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

Music by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa • MARCH 22, 25, 28, 30, 2025

His escape is her cage.

In this groundbreaking new production created by an all-Japanese and Japanese American creative team, Madama Butterfly’s story is transported to a fantastical realm where reality and dreams intersect.

Pinkerton puts on a VR headset and transports us into a vibrant virtual reality playground where he has ultimate control. As his avatar, a U.S. Navy Lieutenant, he can seduce and marry his fantasy girl and abandon her just as easily. But to Cio-Cio San, this is no game and the love and betrayal she feels is all too real.

Enveloped in Puccini’s stunning music, this visually beautiful production is the perfect match. Pittsburgh Opera is proud to partner with Cincinnati Opera, Detroit Opera, and Utah Opera to co-produce this reinvention of Puccini’s classic, uncovering new and resonant meaning for all audiences to enjoy.

 

Pennsylvasia readers can save 20% with the promo code POASIA!

Tickets are now available online. The performances are held at the Benedum Center in downtown's Cultural District (map).

Archives & Special Collections Gallery Talk- Guardians of Nature: Animals in Chinese Culture and Conservation!, March 26 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's University Library System will host "Archives & Special Collections Gallery Talk- Guardians of Nature: Animals in Chinese Culture and Conservation" on March 26.

Join us to learn more about the new exhibit Guardians of Nature: Animals in Chinese Culture and Conservation!

Guardians of Nature explores the rich symbolism of animals in Chinese culture, from ancient representations to contemporary reflections on endangered species. In this exhibit, you’ll encounter prints, stamps, and various objects that illustrate how animals have been revered, symbolized, and protected in Chinese history. You'll also see how these creatures are central to cultural beliefs, from the mythical creatures of ancient times to today’s conservation efforts. Alongside curator Shuyang Shi, PhD Student in History at the University of Pittsburgh, you'll explore the significance of these animals and gain insight into how China’s relationship with wildlife has evolved over the centuries.

The talk runs from 12:00 to 12:30 pm at the Hillman Library's 3rd Floor Exhibit Cases (map). 

 

Pittsburgh Opera’s Madama Butterfly Panel Discussion: Women’s Role in Tech, Video Games, Manga, and Comic Books, March 13 in East Liberty.

Photo credit: Philip Groshon, Cincinnati Opera

The Carnegie Library branch in East Liberty will host "Pittsburgh Opera’s Madama Butterfly Panel Discussion: Women’s Role in Tech, Video Games, Manga, and Comic Books" on March 13.

Join us for a free panel discussion with RAD Pass participating organization Pittsburgh Opera where we will explore Women’s Role in Video Games, Anime, Manga, and Comic Books. Women have often been unrealistically represented in these art forms leading to detrimental outcomes in the real world. This discussion aims to unpack the origins of female representation in art and explore the fine line between fandom and fetish.

Pittsburgh Opera leads this discussion in anticipation of its groundbreaking new production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Created by an all-Japanese and Japanese American creative team, the story is set in a fantastical realm where reality and dreams intersect.

“The male protagonist, Pinkerton, puts on a VR headset and transports us into a vibrant virtual reality playground where he has ultimate control. As his avatar, a U.S. Navy Lieutenant, he can seduce and marry Cio-Cio San, his fantasy girl, and abandon her just as easily. But to Cio-Cio San, this is no game and the love and betrayal she feels is all too real.”

Attendees receive a discounted ticket offer to the performance of Madama Butterfly of their choice (March 22nd, 25th, 28th, and 30th) and will be entered into a raffle to receive a pair of free tickets. All performances of Madama Butterfly will take place downtown at the Benedum Center.

The event runs from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at 130 S. Whitfield St. in East Liberty (map).

Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space in Between free guided tour, March 15 at Contemporary Craft.

Contemporary Craft will host a free guided tour for the Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space in Between exhibition on March 15. The tour runs from 1:30 to 2:30 pm and registration is required. The exhibition runs through May 16, two weeks longer than originally announced.

Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space in Between features a comprehensive survey of California-based artist, Keiko Fukazawa’s more than forty-year career, featuring new works alongside selected archival materials. Fukazawa is deeply influenced by her Japanese heritage and American environment, addressing themes of Asian pop culture and social issues through conceptual exploration. Her functional yet impractical interpretations of traditional forms serve as personal expressions that bridge cultural boundaries.

This exhibition is organized into three themes: “Culture Clash,” “ARTivism,” and “In Betweenness,” each one representing different stages of Fukazawa’s creative evolution. As an immigrant artist, Fukazawa draws on her experiences of navigating the space between cultures and identities, infusing her work with depth and resonance. Through her use of porcelain, Fukazawa highlights ceramic artistry, process, and history advocating for the medium’s importance in the contemporary world. Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective offers a compelling narrative of artistic journey and cultural dialogue, showcasing Fukazawa’s enduring commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the intersection of tradition, innovation and materiality with her practice.

Contemporary Craft is located at 5645 Butler St. in Lawrenceville (map).

The Annual Terry Smith Lecture in Contemporary Art: Marci Kwon, March 20 at Carnegie Museum of Art.

The Carnegie Museum of Art will host Marci Kwon on March 20 for its Annual Terry Smith Lecture in Contemporary Art.

The Annual Terry Smith Lecture in Contemporary Art honors the namesake emeritus professor in the Department of the History of Art and Architecture at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Museum of Art advisory board member, and advances the critical mission of art history to generate a healthy discourse in the contemporary moment.

This year’s lecturer, Marci Kwon, is an award-winning art historian, writer, and teacher. Her work explores alterity, minorness, value, and the ethics of relation in art and material culture, with a special focus on the history of Asian American/diasporic artists and makers. She is Assistant Professor of Art History at Stanford University, and co-director of the university’s Asian American Art Initiative.

The talk will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the Art Theater and is free with registration. The Carnegie Museum of Art is located at 4400 Forbes Ave. in Oakland (map), accessible by a number of city buses.

Tickets still available for The Way of Tea 茶道: Recital and Ceremony, March 10 at The Art Room.

Pittsburgh Opera will present "The Way of Tea 茶道: Recital and Ceremony" on March 10, part of a series of events surrounding its production of Madama Butterfly starting on March 22.

Ceremony

The tea ceremony, or Chado (The Way of Tea), is a traditional Japanese art involving the ritualistic preparation of tea. Influenced by the philosophy of Zen Buddhism, the core teaching of chado is to attain a spiritual state of selflessness and peacefulness through making and sharing tea. Join us to learn the history and philosophy of Japanese tea ceremony while tasting Japanese tea and sweets.

Yuko Eguchi is a native of Tokyo, Japan and holds a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh. She received her tea master title and name, Soyu, in 2009 and the associate professor of tea title in 2013, certified by the head master of the Urasenke school. Yuko has performed and lectured on Japanese traditional arts at various higher institutions.

Recital

Japanese mezzo-soprano, Nozomi Kato, is in demand at leading opera houses in Italy, Spain, Japan and beyond. In particular, she has made a name for herself internationally as Suzuki in Puccini's Madama Butterfly, which she will perform at Pittsburgh Opera in March of 2025 reprising her role in a production originated at Cincinnati Opera (dir: Matthew Ozawa).

The evening of events starts at 6:00 pm, and tickets are available online. The Art Room is located at 2010 Smallman St. in the Strip District (map).

Opening reception for Jordan Wong (WONGFACE)'s PRACTICE +/-, February 28 at The Portal.

The Portal Art Gallery will host an opening reception for a new exhibition by Jordan Wong (WONGFACE) titled PRACTICE +/- on February 28. From the artist:

PRACTICE +/- builds upon my recent "Play is Infinite" exhibition at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh (on view until May). This body of work furthers my imaginative exploration of the Ultimate Self, the endless possibilities of leveling up in life, and the transformative power of play.

The opening reception will be held 5:30 to 7:30 pm on the 28th, and The Portal is located at 6425 Penn Ave in Bakery Square (map).

The Way of Tea 茶道: Recital and Ceremony, March 10 at The Art Room.

Pittsburgh Opera will present "The Way of Tea 茶道: Recital and Ceremony" on March 10, part of a series of events surrounding its production of Madama Butterfly starting on March 22.

Ceremony

The tea ceremony, or Chado (The Way of Tea), is a traditional Japanese art involving the ritualistic preparation of tea. Influenced by the philosophy of Zen Buddhism, the core teaching of chado is to attain a spiritual state of selflessness and peacefulness through making and sharing tea. Join us to learn the history and philosophy of Japanese tea ceremony while tasting Japanese tea and sweets.

Yuko Eguchi is a native of Tokyo, Japan and holds a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh. She received her tea master title and name, Soyu, in 2009 and the associate professor of tea title in 2013, certified by the head master of the Urasenke school. Yuko has performed and lectured on Japanese traditional arts at various higher institutions.

Recital

Japanese mezzo-soprano, Nozomi Kato, is in demand at leading opera houses in Italy, Spain, Japan and beyond. In particular, she has made a name for herself internationally as Suzuki in Puccini's Madama Butterfly, which she will perform at Pittsburgh Opera in March of 2025 reprising her role in a production originated at Cincinnati Opera (dir: Matthew Ozawa).

The evening of events starts at 6:00 pm, and tickets are available online. The Art Room is located at 2010 Smallman St. in the Strip District (map).

Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between at Contemporary Craft, February 7 – May 3; free artist-led tour, February 8.

Contemporary Craft will host Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between from February 7 through May 3, with a free artist-led tour on February 8. From today's press release:

Contemporary Craft Announces Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space in Between

 

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 2025) – Contemporary Craft is excited to announce its upcoming exhibition, Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between, on view February 7 – May 3, 2025. The exhibition features a comprehensive survey of California-based artist Keiko Fukazawa’s 40-year career, showcasing new works and archival materials. The opening reception will take place on Friday, February 7, 5:30 – 8:00 PM.

 

Influenced by her Japanese heritage and American environment, Fukazawa explores Asian pop culture and social issues through conceptual interpretations of traditional forms. Featuring 30 pieces, the exhibition is organized into three themes: “Culture Clash,” “ARTivism,” and “In Betweenness,” reflecting stages of Fukazawa’s creative evolution as an immigrant artist navigating cultural identities.

 

Through her use of porcelain, Fukazawa highlights ceramic artistry, process, and history advocating for the medium’s importance in the contemporary world. Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective offers a compelling narrative of artistic journey and cultural dialogue, showcasing Fukazawa’s enduring commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the intersection of tradition, innovation and materiality with her practice.

 

“Keiko Fukazawa's work is eclectic, poignant and thought-provoking, exploring themes through distinctive material choices and symbolic representation. This retrospective spans 40 years of her creative evolution, weaving together her Japanese heritage and American environment through conceptual exploration”, said Yu-San Cheng, CC Director of Exhibitions and Operations. “The exhibition invites the audience on an emotional experience, evoking contemplation and insight as they engage with each piece. I hope these selections move you and inspire reflection."

 

Opening Weekend Events

 

Opening Reception: Friday, February 7, 5:30 – 8:00 PM. Free and open to the public. Join us as we celebrate the opening of Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between. Light refreshments will be served.

Artist Talk: Saturday, February 8, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Free, registration required. Keiko Fukazawa will be in the gallery discussing her work and answering questions from visitors.

Book Talk: Conversation with author Laura Gao, February 6 at Pitt.

via Wharton Magazine

The University Library System and Alliance of Queer and Underrepresented Asians in Recognition of Intersectionality to Uphold Solidarity (AQUARIUS) will host a conversation with Laura Gao on February 6.

This collaborative event, hosted by ULS and the Alliance of Queer and Underrepresented Asians in Recognition of Intersectionality to Uphold Solidarity (AQUARIUS), brings together a diverse community to engage in meaningful conversation and reflection.

4:30–5:00 PM:

Join our student representative for a book club session, featuring a group reading followed by a discussion. Faculty members and a librarian will facilitate the conversation, offering insights and fostering dialogue around the themes of the book.

5:00–6:00 PM:

Book Talk: A Conversation with Laura Gao

Engage in an intimate roundtable discussion with Laura Gao, moderated by faculty, students, and librarians. The conversation will explore crucial topics such as queer identity, Asian American experiences, and the intersectionality of these themes in contemporary society.

The event runs from 4:30 to 6:00 pm on the first floor of Hillman Library (map).

Book Talk: Conversation with author Laura Gao, February 6 at Pitt.

via Wharton Magazine

The University Library System and Alliance of Queer and Underrepresented Asians in Recognition of Intersectionality to Uphold Solidarity (AQUARIUS) will host a conversation with Laura Gao on February 6.

This collaborative event, hosted by ULS and the Alliance of Queer and Underrepresented Asians in Recognition of Intersectionality to Uphold Solidarity (AQUARIUS), brings together a diverse community to engage in meaningful conversation and reflection.

4:30–5:00 PM:

Join our student representative for a book club session, featuring a group reading followed by a discussion. Faculty members and a librarian will facilitate the conversation, offering insights and fostering dialogue around the themes of the book.

5:00–6:00 PM:

Book Talk: A Conversation with Laura Gao

Engage in an intimate roundtable discussion with Laura Gao, moderated by faculty, students, and librarians. The conversation will explore crucial topics such as queer identity, Asian American experiences, and the intersectionality of these themes in contemporary society.

The event runs from 4:30 to 6:00 pm on the first floor of Hillman Library (map).

Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between at Contemporary Craft, February 7 – May 3.

Contemporary Craft will host Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between from February 7 through May 3, with a free artist-led tour on February 8. From today's press release:

Contemporary Craft Announces Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space in Between

 

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 2025) – Contemporary Craft is excited to announce its upcoming exhibition, Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between, on view February 7 – May 3, 2025. The exhibition features a comprehensive survey of California-based artist Keiko Fukazawa’s 40-year career, showcasing new works and archival materials. The opening reception will take place on Friday, February 7, 5:30 – 8:00 PM.

 

Influenced by her Japanese heritage and American environment, Fukazawa explores Asian pop culture and social issues through conceptual interpretations of traditional forms. Featuring 30 pieces, the exhibition is organized into three themes: “Culture Clash,” “ARTivism,” and “In Betweenness,” reflecting stages of Fukazawa’s creative evolution as an immigrant artist navigating cultural identities.

 

Through her use of porcelain, Fukazawa highlights ceramic artistry, process, and history advocating for the medium’s importance in the contemporary world. Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective offers a compelling narrative of artistic journey and cultural dialogue, showcasing Fukazawa’s enduring commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the intersection of tradition, innovation and materiality with her practice.

 

“Keiko Fukazawa's work is eclectic, poignant and thought-provoking, exploring themes through distinctive material choices and symbolic representation. This retrospective spans 40 years of her creative evolution, weaving together her Japanese heritage and American environment through conceptual exploration”, said Yu-San Cheng, CC Director of Exhibitions and Operations. “The exhibition invites the audience on an emotional experience, evoking contemplation and insight as they engage with each piece. I hope these selections move you and inspire reflection."

 

Opening Weekend Events

 

Opening Reception: Friday, February 7, 5:30 – 8:00 PM. Free and open to the public. Join us as we celebrate the opening of Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between. Light refreshments will be served.

Artist Talk: Saturday, February 8, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Free, registration required. Keiko Fukazawa will be in the gallery discussing her work and answering questions from visitors.

Guided Tour - 芸 [Gei ]: The Beauty of Ephemeral and Eternal, January 18 at Contemporary Craft.

On the last day of the 芸 [Gei ]: The Beauty of Ephemeral and Eternal exhibit at Contemporary Craft, January 18, the gallery will offer a free guided tour from 11 am to 12 pm.

芸［Gei]: The Beauty of Ephemeral and Eternal invites viewers to explore the captivating duality of Japanese Sogetsu Ikebana and craft, highlighting the profound cultural connections woven through these art forms. Ikebana (生け花, living flowers), the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, captures the fleeting beauty of nature. Conversely, we celebrate the eternal through masterful craft objects. These objects embody enduring skill and meticulous attention to detail. From exquisite ceramics to intricate metal and wood sculptures, these crafts echo with the wisdom and patience of their makers, preserving techniques practiced over generations while celebrating individuality and collaboration. Join Contemporary Craft on a artist-led guided tour of GEI !

Admission is free, please consider donating to support the sustainability of our public programs.

Tickets are available online. Contemporary Craft is a gallery and creative space that broadly states its mission as "To engage the public in creative experiences through contemporary craft.." It is located at 5645 Butler St. in Lawrenceville (map).

Pittsburgh Opera presents Madama Butterfly, featuring an entirely Japanese and Japanese-American creative team, March 2025.

Pittsburgh Opera will present Madama Butterfly in March 2025 with an entirely Japanese and Japanese-American creative team. PennsylvAsia readers can save 20% on tickets through an exclusive promo code.

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

Music by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa • MARCH 22, 25, 28, 30, 2025

His escape is her cage.

In this groundbreaking new production created by an all-Japanese and Japanese American creative team, Madama Butterfly’s story is transported to a fantastical realm where reality and dreams intersect.

Pinkerton puts on a VR headset and transports us into a vibrant virtual reality playground where he has ultimate control. As his avatar, a U.S. Navy Lieutenant, he can seduce and marry his fantasy girl and abandon her just as easily. But to Cio-Cio San, this is no game and the love and betrayal she feels is all too real.

Enveloped in Puccini’s stunning music, this visually beautiful production is the perfect match. Pittsburgh Opera is proud to partner with Cincinnati Opera, Detroit Opera, and Utah Opera to co-produce this reinvention of Puccini’s classic, uncovering new and resonant meaning for all audiences to enjoy.

 

Pennsylvasia readers can save 20% with the promo code POASIA!

Tickets are now available online. The performances are held at the Benedum Center in downtown's Cultural District (map).