Inaugurated in 2010, the Three Rivers Okiya is a collective of young American women who have dedicated their time to honoring and learning some of the traditonal arts of Japan. The name of our acting troupe reflects our commitment to promoting traditional Japanese arts and culture, and we humbly ask our audiences to recall the original okiya (or Geisha and Maiko house) brought from Japan to America for the World's Fair of 1904, which was hosted in St. Louis, less than two miles from where our modern practice area is located. We seek to learn these arts to enrich our lives and provide light entertainment at social functions here in the Midwest.
Our Goals and Services:
We offer a range of artistic services to our clients, from entertaining private parties at local restaurants, to seasonal dances and performances of Tea Ceremony. Our true goal in re-enacting both the manner of dress and art forms of the Geisha, is to promote in America a better understanding and appreciation of the Japanese women who still live their lives by these arts. They are truly all national treasures ~ and living embodiments of grace and art and beauty. We strongly urge everyone who has the opportunity, to travel to Japan to see them perform in person.
Disclaimer: We wish to here state that we are aware that we are not "true Geisha and Maiko" and have not passed the rigorous training and certification that the real artists in Japan go through. We are amateur performers, and are not acknowledged or sanctioned by the Okiya of Japan, or licenced as they are, by the Japanese Government.
Updates -- Spring 2012
KATANA -- The Three Rivers Okiya is proud to announce that they will be making an appearance at the celebration for the release of KATANA -- a new young adults novel by the talented local author, Cole Gibsen. This event will be held Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the Collinsville Public Library in Illinois. We hope to see all of our fans there, to honor this new work by Ms. Gibsen. More information regarding this event can be found on her website.
Three Rivers Okiya is overjoyed to be returning to the 2012 Kawa-Kon convention, and there giving a series of talks and demonstrations of Japanese Art -- ranging from traditional Ikebana to dance and three performances of Tea Ceremony. We look forward to seeing you there! The convention is located at the Sheraton West Port Plaza Chalet, and will run from Friday, March 16th, through Sunday, March 18th.