Zero Untitled is continuing to branch out into new territory – the Japanese style of storytelling and theatre called kamishibai. “Kamishibai” translates to “paper theatre”, a genre in which cards displaying images help convey a story. The group, led by Daniel Rodriguez and Michael Verderber, have been developing both classic and new kamishibai projects for both live productions and online shows.

Each story will have its own project lead. The first will be “Ba Pot-Bellied Pigs” a take on the classic “Three Little Pigs” story, with a Vietnamese setting. The first world premiere performance occured at the South Texas Japanese Culture Forum on March 10 at the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures.

The latest under development is “The Kame’s Golden Tune” by Daniel Rodriguez. Promo images have been released.

The next performance will be at the Cherry Blossom Festival on April 13. Time TBD.

#1 – “Ba Pot-Bellied Pigs” / March 10, South Texas Japanese Culture Forum

#2 – “Ba Pot-Bellied Pigs” / March 22, Jubilee Kingsville (Mendiola, Covarrubias, Escobedo, Mejorado, and theatre classes)

#3 – “Kame’s Golden Tune” & “Ba Pot-Bellied Pigs” / April 13, Cherry Blossom Festival

#4 – “Kame’s Golden Tune” & “Ba Pot-Bellied Pigs” (with special guest Chloe Cannero’s “The Texas Ranger & The Samurai”) / May 18, Tx State Museum of Asian Cultures

#5 – “Kame’s Golden Tune” & “Ba Pot-Bellied Pigs” (with special guest Chloe Cannero’s “The Texas Ranger & The Samurai”) / July 6, Tanabata Star Festival

#6 – “Kame’s Golden Tune” & “Ba Pot-Bellied Pigs” / July 7, Tx State Museum of Asian Cultures 50th Birthday – POSTPONED due to HURRICANE BERYL

Recent photos of the World Premiere of “Ba Pot-Bellied Pigs” at the South Texas Japanese Culture Forum 2024 at the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures in Corpus Christi, March 10, 2024.

(“Ba Pot-Bellied…” flyer designed by Juan Villarreal)

AI image designed by Daniel Rodriguez for “The Kame’s Golden Tune” performance.

“Kame’s Golden Tune” adapted to the stage by Daniel Rodriguez. Written and performed by Daniel Rodriguez, assisted directed by Michael Verderber.

Music: “Festival” by Luna’s Midnight Garden

“Kame’s Golden Chime” by Down Chamber

******************************************************************

The following are photos are taken from the World Premiere of “Kame’s Golden Tune” by Daniel Rodriguez at the Cherry Blossom Festival on April 13, 2024. More photos coming soon. Additionally, photos of Bailey Goodrich performing “Ba Pot-Bellied Pigs” at the same event.

******************************************************************

The following are photos and graphics were taken by Julia Self at the Jubilee Kingsville school as part of a 4-page spread in the school newsletter.

******************************************************************
The photos were taken from the May 18th performance of the two plays plus a bonus performance of special guest Chloe Cannero’s kamishibai “The Texas Ranger & The Samurai”!

******************************************************************

ZERO-165