Performing Arts

Arif Lohar

Latest Content

Saami Brothers Qawwal perform at Asia Society New York on May 8, 2016. (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)
New York

Video: Saami Brothers Qawwal, Devotional Music from the Sufi Traditions of Pakistan

The traditional music transports the musicians and audience closer to the divine.
The Pakistani signer Zeb Bangash performs on the opening night of the Lahore Literary Festival at Asia Society New York. (Elsa Ruiz/Asia Society)

The Lahore Literary Festival: Bringing Pakistan's Celebration of Arts and Culture to New York

The two-day event offers a rejoinder to the country's reputation for political instability and extremism.
(Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)
New York

Photo Gallery: Kyogen Japanese Theater

Audiences were left rolling after a special performance of traditional Japanese comedic theater.
Kyogen master Nomura Manzo IX performs his craft which he learned from his father and grandfather.

For Classic Japanese Theater Form Kyogen, 'Tradition Is Not Fixed'

Japanese Kyogen is a rare form of classic theater that lends itself well to modern interpretation while still maintaining its 600 year-old spirit.
Opera singer Qian Yi during a preview of the contemporary opera "Paradise Interrupted" (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)
New York

Photo Gallery: 'Paradise Interrupted'

Asia Society welcomed key artists of the contemporary opera 'Paradise Interrupted' for a special preview performance.
Soprano opera singer Qian Yi in front of the unique and intricate set of 'Paradise Interrupted' which is partially made of paper. (Lincoln Center Festival/Lihe Xiao)

'Paradise Interrupted' — Bringing Chinese Tradition Onto the Contemporary Stage

Director Jennifer Wen Ma and composer Huang Ruo present a hybrid between traditional opera and an art installation piece.
Stephanie Todd Wong
Texas

Stephanie Todd Wong Joins Asia Society Texas Center as the New Director of Arts & Culture

Asia Society Texas Center announces the appointment of Stephanie Todd Wong as the new Director of Arts & Culture.
Performer Karen Kandel as 'papermaker' in 'Recycling: Washi Tales.' (Valerie Oliveiro)

'A Blank Page Is Never Empty'

Exploring the art of paper-making and storytelling through literal and metaphorical recycling.
A scene from the chamber opera Wenji: Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute with actor Zhou Long (L) and actress Xiu Ying in 2002. (Jack Vartoogian/Asia Society)

#TBT: In 2002, Wenji Opera Explores Themes of Dislocation and 'Biculturalism'

Each week, we'll reach into Asia Society's archives to find a photo from the organization's 60-year history. This week: A 2002 chamber opera documents the life of a Chinese poet who lived 1,800 years ago.
New York

Watch: Rez Abbasi on Guitar

The Pakistani-born guitarist also discusses how his background influences his musical evolution.
Megumi Isobe/Larry Ellison Collection

SEASON OF JAPAN

Asia Society presents a season of programming celebrating the exhibition 'Kamakura: Realism and Spirituality in the Sculpture of Japan.'
Invocation group. (Bill Douthart)

Asia Society Presents New York Premiere of Rez Abbasi's Invocation

In a special performance, Invocation sextet will unveil a new project that explores Carnatic classical music from Southern India through the idiom of jazz.
Still from 'Sever,' a reinterpretation of a classic Chinese folktale.

Asia Society Presents 'Shanghai / New York: Future Histories 2' featuring Xi Ban and Pi Huang Club

Multidisciplinary performance, part of the COIL 2016 Festival, features emerging Chinese artists.
Tari Aceh!, an all-female group from Banda Aceh in Sumatra, Indonesia, performs the traditional Acehnese dance at Asia Society in New York on February 28, 2015. One of the hallmarks of this dance is a form of body percussion in which various rhythms are created by slapping the body or clapping. (Elsa Ruiz/Asia Society)
New York

Asia Society New York's 2015 in Photos

Here's a look at some of the events which drew crowds at Asia Society's New York headquarters during 2015.
Rudresh Mahanthappa (L) and Kadri Gopalnath perform at Asia Society in New York in November 2007. (La Frances Hui/Asia Society)

#TBT: In 2007, 'Kinsmen' Redefine Jazz

Each week, we'll reach into Asia Society's archives to find a photo from the organization's nearly 60-year history. This week: when saxophonists of different backgrounds pulled together elements of Indian Carnatic music and American jazz.
An all-female group from Banda Aceh in Sumatra, Indonesia perform the traditional Acehnese dance. (Elsa Ruiz/ Asia Society)

2015: Asia Society's Year in Pictures

Asia Society looks back through the camera lens at some of its most colorful moments of the year.
Chinese opera master Zhou Long (L) and Japanese Noh master Akira Matsui perform “Forgiveness” in 2000. (Rachel Cooper/Asia Society)

#TBT: In 2000, 'Forgiveness' Grapples with the Ghosts of History

Each week, we'll reach into Asia Society's archives to find a photo from the organization's nearly 60-year history. This week: A performance that dealt with the uncomfortable history between China, Japan, and Korea.
Jen Shyu in performance. (Tom Shea/TBS Photography)

Jen Shyu's Eclectic Brilliance

The talented musician, performing soon at Asia Society Texas, discusses her unique musical sensibility with Asia Blog.

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