request from Japan

[Robert Nunn]

You may remember the article in the "Pacific Rim" issue of CTR (1995)...
about a young Japanese theatre director who spent a year in Canada
familiarizing himself with Canadian theatre, went back to Japan and over
the years has directed a number of Canadian plays in translation. I have
received a request from Yoshi Yoshihara, the translator of the plays, who
was instrumental in arranging the funding for Tak Kaiyama's sojourn in
Canada. He asks us to assist with the grant application of another
director who wishes to study Canadian theatre. I hope there are members of
CANDRAMA who can offer to help out with this opportunity to strengthen the
small but vital link between Canadian and Japanese theatre that was
initiated by Mr. Yoshihara.

Here is the gist of his request:

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Following are the name, address and other information on the person who
wants to come to Canada to study Canadian theatre. A letter of invitation
from you will help him obtain the Japanese government's grant to cover his
travel expenses.

Name:                Mr. Keishi Kawaguchi (49 Year Old)
Address:             3-6-3 Minami Ikuta, Tama-Ku, Kawasaki-Shi
                     Kanagawa-Ken, Japan 214-0036
Profession:          Actor/Director, Haiyu-Za Theatre
                     (Haiyu-Za is one of the three largest "Singeki"
               theatre companies in Tokyo)

In your letter you are kindly requested to give a brief description of the
Theatre Department of your university [or a description of your theatre
company/ rn] and express your willingness to help him pursue his
objectives by providing him an opportunity to meet you and discuss the
history and current status of Canadian theatre.

If the government grant is successfully obtained, he will come to Canada
in September 1999 and stay for three months, a month each in Vancouver
and Toronto, the balance travelling around other cities.

When the letter is ready, please mail it directly to Mr. Kawaguchi. Your
cooperation will be highly appreciated by both Mr. Kawaguchi and myself.

Yoshi Yoshihara
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Robert Nunn
Theatre and Dramatic Literature Programme
Brock University
St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1
Tel. (905) 688-5550 ex 3213 Fax. (905) 688-2789
email: rnunn at spartan.ac.BrockU.ca