Kuniko's Show
Magical mask, mime & music of japan
[ 45-60 minute solo-performance]
Charming Japanese folktales are combined with traditional musical instruments, magical masks, origami and mime to create a spellbinding story.
Kuniko’s marvellous performance promotes cross-cultural communication and understanding in an entertaining way.
Origami Tales
[45-60 minute solo-performance]
Welcome to the infinite world of paper folding, Origami! Mythological character masks & puppets, amazing flowers and a six-foot-long dragon--all made from origami--set the stage while storyteller Kuniko shares heartfelt stories from ancient Japan. With origami, music and audience participation, audience will launch out into a magical entry of the East.
About
​
A native of Japan, Kuniko Yamamoto received her Bachelor of Psychology from Otani University of Kyoto, Japan in 1983, then started performing professionally in her hometown of Osaka where she grew up studying traditional dance, music and theater. In 1985, she received national exposure performing Japanese Storytelling at the Silk Road International Exposition and on Kansai National TV. The following year, Kuniko traveled to the United States to study with Tony Montanaro, a highly respected mime and actor. Three years later, she toured with Leland Faulkner Light Theater where she helped present lavish stage illusions and brought ancient tales to life with shadows and magic. For the next five years she performed in theaters, schools, colleges, and festivals across the country.
In 1992, Kuniko left the Faulkner Light Theater troupe to move to Florida. She married Jon LeClair, a world-renowned magician whose books appear in magic shops worldwide. This helped her add subtle magic and mystery to her unique act.
Kuniko has performed in numerous venues of note such as:
The Kennedy Center (Washington DC)
Disney Epcot Japanese Pavilion
Seattle’s International Festival
International Children’s Festival in Canada
National Storytelling Festival
Over the last two decades she has presented her programs throughout the United States. Her work is recognized by the Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina State Arts Council since 2000.
​