KABUKI DOWN

The word “kabuki” comes from kabuku, meaning “to be out of the ordinary.” So it’s no surprise that Kabuki dance theater—the 500-year-old performance art named for its lavishly dressed actors—is the origin of every neon-drenched teen to ever cosplay out of Harajuku, not to mention the mother of Japanese pop culture in general. Now Japan Society presents Kabuki Dance, a three-day engagement with the extraordinary master dancer Bando Kotoji and his company, who will perform four narrative dance pieces from his repertoire. Each performance includes a panel discussion, and on Saturday, Kotoji will teach the craft at a workshop.

Thu., March 29, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., March 30, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., March 31, 2 p.m., 2012