Star Festival: The Nighthawk Star
Written by Kenji Miyazawa/Translated by Hiroaki Sato
Directed by Sonoko Kawahara
A timeless tale about a misfit bird whose journey to escape leads to an otherworldly transformation.
Message from the director Sonoko Kawahara
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.
Now you can watch the entire show for free on CJA Youtube
The Nighthawk Star (よだかの星）Program
Artists & Creative team
Storyteller / Marina Celander
Music & Piano / Fumi Tanakadate
Lighting / Qian Chengyuan
Videography / Steven De Castro
Director / Sonoko Kawahara
Production Manager / Sachiko Ninomiya
Filmed at the Target Margin Theater’s Doxsee Theater in August 2021, Jun
The Nighthawks Star (Yodaka no Hoshi) is made possible in part with public funds from Creative Engagement, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and administered by LMCC and the support Japan Foundation.
