Happy Lunar New Year from the USC US-China Institute!
Memoirs of Geisha
The Asian Culture Center at Indiana University will screen a film highlighting the Kyoto's Gion district.
![](https://china.usc.edu/sites/default/files/styles/event_node_featured/public/events/featured-image/geisha-pic-3-26_0.jpg?itok=iJgo0lwA)
Description:
In 1929 an impoverished nine-year-old named Chiyo from a fishing village is sold to a geisha house in Kyoto's Gion district and subjected to cruel treatment from the owners and the head geisha Hatsumomo. Her stunning beauty attracts the vindictive jealousy of Hatsumomo, until she is rescued by and taken under the wing of Hatsumomo's bitter rival, Mameha. Under Mameha's mentorship, Chiyo becomes the geisha named Sayuri, trained in all the artistic and social skills a geisha must master in order to survive in her society. As a renowned geisha she enters a society of wealth, privilege, and political intrigue. As World War II looms Japan and the geisha's world are forever changed by the onslaught of history.
Discussion over free dinner will follow after the screening.
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