Asia of Saiyuki, a theater company that integrates dance and drama, recently performed at TIU Theater (formerly Louie’s THX Cinema) in Makati City.

The Asia of Saiyuki Committee was established last August  in Tokyo, Japan. It consisted of artists from Kei Takei’s Moving Earth Orient Sphere and the theater company Black Tent.

Kei Takei’s Moving Earth Orient Sphere is a Japanese dance company that performs in difficult terrains such as deserts, rice paddies, sea sides, riverside.

Black Tent  has performed in over 120 cities since its establishment in 1970. It has a strong relationship with the Philippine Educational Theater Association of the Philippines (Peta).

Asia of Saiyuki will be performing “Journey to the West” in different parts of Asia. It is based on the Chinese classic about Genjo Sanzo, who obtained the Buddhist scripture from India in the 7th century during the  Tang Dynasty.

It is directed by Hiroyuki Muneshige of Black Tent  and choreographed by Kei Takei.

The Manila tour of the Asia of Suiyuki was organized by the Cordillera Green Network, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Baguio City, with the support of Japan Foundation, Aanak di Kabiligan   performed “Fugtong,” a folk tale from Balbalan, Kalinga, about a black dog. The play was directed by Rey Angelo Aurelio  from Baguio City and  Japanese theater artist Setsu Hanasaki.

Asia of Saiyuki  also  performed “Journey to the West” in Baguio City at the Baguio Botanical Garden, Leonard Wood Road. It will be performed in Kabayan, Benguet at Kabayan Central School on May 26, 6 p.m.; and in Kayan, Tadian, Mt. Province at Kayan Central School on May 28, 6 p.m.

Tsuyoshi Sugiyama of Asia of Saiyuki will  conduct basic theater workshop  on May 26-28 in Kayan, Tadian, Mt. Province.

Admission is free.

Call Cordillera Green Network, Inc. at 0921-256-5677; e-mail [email protected].