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.

Recently developed shows are “The Kame’s Golden Tune” by Daniel Rodriguez. Promo images have been released. Another is “Baby Dormouse vs Quizzical Crocodile” by Michael Verderber, and shows commissioned from Chloe Cannero. Recently added is a non-kamishibai show called “The Prince’s Charming Snake” will be performing alongside the performances of any kamishibai performances throughout 2025, as it is the year of the snake.

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The NEXT PERFORMANCE will be at the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures/ April 12, 2025 / Noon-ongoing

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The March performance was a featured bit in a Kiii News article! Watch it here: Museum of Asian Cultures and Education Center celebrates “Japan Day” | kiiitv.com

2024 Performances__________

#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

2025 Performances__________

#7 – WORLD PREMIERE of “Baby Dormouse vs Quizzical Crocodile”! Also “Ba Pot-Bellied Pigs” performed by Aubrey Gracia. With special guest performance by Chloe Cannero performing “The Zodiac Race” and “Momotaru” / January 25, 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration – Year of the Snake

#8 – “Baby Dormouse vs Quizzical Crocodile” and “Ba Pot-Bellied Pigs” / March 15, Tx State Museum of Asian Cultures. Bonus performances of “Shower Sharon” (Brazilian Lambe-Lambe style) and “The Prince’s Charming Snake” puppet show. With special performance by Chloe Cannero performing “Momotaru”.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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”!

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Brand new promotional images for the newest kamishibai “Baby Dormouse Vs Quizzical Crocodile”. Performance photos will be posted after the first showing.

WORLD PREMIERE of “Baby Dormouse vs Quizzical Crocodile”! Also “Ba Pot-Bellied Pigs” performed by Aubrey Gracia. With special guest performance by Chloe Cannero performing “The Zodiac Race” and “Momotaru” / January 25, 2025.

Daniel and “Ssssamuel” in “The Prince’s Charming Snake”, a non-kamishibai improv puppet show performed alongside the kamishibai shows in 2025 (the year of the snake). Premiering March 15, 2025 at the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures.

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