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CJA’s Statement
Over the past 20 years, Crossing Jamaica Avenue, led by an Asian Artistic Director, has brought innovative theatrical performances that fuse Western and Eastern theater techniques, aesthetics, stories, and cultures to our New York City community. We create by exploring together and learning from our collaborators and audiences.
In this current climate of escalated political and social divisiveness and hate, CJA is committed now more than ever to bridging different cultures and traditions together and showcasing the often hidden voices of minorities through theater. As an arts organization and a member of the New York City community, we will continue to highlight our core values and bring works to audiences throughout the city and beyond!
NEW in 2025
GODOT CAME
Written by Minoru betsuyaku New Translation by John Gillespie
Sat June 28, 2025 3PM
@ Loose Change Production’s Wooster St. Studio
152 Wooster Street, #2C, NYC
Godot finally came, but…
This one day in summer, a group of New York–based female artists take take an experimental approach to the powerful words of Minoru Betsuyaku, one of Japan’s greatest absurdist playwrights, who boldly responded to Beckett’s Waiting for Godot with a work of his own.
This is a work-in-progress reading and marks the first step in Crossing Jamaica Avenue’s Godot Project.
Join us for a rare encounter between Japanese absurdist theater and contemporary NYC voices.
Featuring:
Marina Celander Milda De Voe Jill Jose Asuka Morinaga Arianne Recto Kiyo Takami
Directed by
Sonoko Kawahara
Free admission – RSVP strongly recommended
This project is made possible in part with funds from Creative Engagement, a regrant program(s) supported by the funding agencies — the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and the Howard Gilman Foundation — and administered by LMCC.
2024 Production
MOMOTARO: In Search of a HERO 2024
MAY 5, 2024 1PM @ Japan Society NY’s Lila Acheson Wallace Theater
Watch a trailer with new theme music
CJA’s awaited show is back
We are thrilled to announce the return of “MOMOTARO: In Search of a Hero 2024,” the modern rendition of the beloved tale inspired by the Japanese folk tale, which captivated audiences at the Japan Society’s “Children’s Day” since 2017. After a hiatus due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this enchanting production is set to grace the stage once again!
During the cancellation of live performances, “MOMOTARO: In Search of a Hero” found new life in 2020 with a widely acclaimed YouTube release under “Theater To Go (TCC),” amassing over 24,000 views. Now, after much anticipation, we are delighted to bring back the magic of live theater.
Join us for an immersive interactive stage experience for both adults and kids. Through music, dance, song, and storytelling, let’s transport the theater space to a world where heroes are forged and adventures await.
more information
The Door Opens
CJA’s works from 2000 to 2021
Production & Projects
CJA’s 3rd Theater To Go project
Star Festival:The Nighthawk Star (Yodaka no Hoshi)
A timeless tale about a misfit bird whose journey to escape leads to an otherworldly transformation.
Message from the director
I have been drawn to this story since I first read it as an elementary school student in Japan — the magical journey of a misfit bird. When setting out to direct this tale, I was particularly interested in breaking Miyazawa’s words down to their true essence to explore the story’s meaning, which I am learning through this process can be interpreted in many fascinating ways. Having lived through a global pandemic and societal unrest this past year, I look forward to letting this bird fly in New York City and listening to the call of the Nighthawk with you.-Sonoko Kawahara
Go To The Nighthawk Star page
2020 STAR FESTIVAL: Tanabata Story in Zoom
Let’s explore the world of Tanabata together!
Go To Star Festival in Zoom page
MOMOTARO: In Search of a HERO-2020 Theater To Go version
MOMOTARO 動画の日本語対訳 PDFダウンロードはここをクリックして下さい
Sing & Dance with MOMOTARO performers and thier friends
Children’s Special
MOMOTARO: In Search of A Hero On Stage
@ at Japan Society NY’s Lila Acheson Wallace Theater
a cross-cultural gender-bending heroic tale based on the famed Japanese story Momotaro “Peach Boy”. This production includes live music and dance and employs the Japanese theatrical technique “Tayu” where the narrator and actor roles are separate.
Go To MOMOTARO page
Women In Yeats at 47 Great Jones St.
Site-specific presentation of At the Hawk’s Well & The Only Jealousy of Emer
Written by W.B. Yeats
photos by Keiichiro Hoashi
