The opera tells the tale of Nanki-Poo, the Mikado's son, who flees home to avoid an undesirable marriage.
By SHIRA TEGER
US President George W. Bush has received a personal invitation to meet the Emperor of Japan during his visit to Jerusalem this week. The emperor (or, to use his proper title, the mikado) has taken up residence around the corner from the King David Hotel where the president will be staying.
The mikado is here with an entourage of over 50 people, as well as an imperial orchestra and technical support staff - are members of the Encore! Educational Theatre Company, which is producing Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado.
The opera tells the tale of Nanki-Poo, the Mikado's son, who flees home to avoid an undesirable marriage. In disguise, he meets and falls in love with Yum-Yum, the ward of the lord high executioner. Despite a complicated series of events, everyone lives happily ever after.
Because of the high-profile visitors to the region, access to the theater will be limited. The public is encouraged to allow extra time to arrive. Parking will be available at the Mamilla lot, which is a short walk from Beit Shmuel. Local police have coordinated with The Mikado, and will allow drop-offs at the theater's door for those with trouble walking.
The Mikado will be performed today at 8 p.m. and again Thursday at 5 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available through Bimot: (02) 623-7000.