Living Art

Kelly Natasha Foreman explains the positions on the Shamisen instrument she holds during the “The ‘Gei’ of Geisha” lecture and performance held at Briggs Theatre Monday evening. Photo by Zach Brake

The UK Asia Center is presenting traditions from the East all week, part of the 2009 ArtsAsia Festival.  Tuesday night, Japanese-culture author and professor at Wayne State University Kelly Natasha Foreman, uncovered the musical traditions of Japanese entertainers, called geishas.  Foreman described the meaning of “geisha” as  two symbols:  “Gei,” meaning the fine arts, and “sha” as person.  The ArtsAsia Festival will continue to host events through Saturday.