|

On September 30th, the dance troupe of Okinawa Culture
Association performed a traditional Japanese
dance called "Okinawa Kumiodori" at Japan
Society. The audience was captivated by the
graceful movements of the dancers dressed in
colorful red and yellow costumes, and by the
music and instrument unique to Okinawa.
Okinawa Kumiodori was developed as a result of a
complex history and cultural exchanges among
Japan, China, and Korea. It can be described as
a musical drama comprised with "music, dance,
and text". While the dance is said to be deeply
affected by kabuki and noh, Okinawan musical
drama is quite different from that of mainland
Japan. Just a few to mention, the music
originated in Okinawa and the traditional songs
are usually accompanied by sanshin, a
three-stringed instrument popular in the region.
The wonderfully constructed dance emerges from
the Ryukyu Kingdom (14th to 19th centuries), and
it is even performed in an independent language
of Okinawa.
The first performance that was featured was "Nido
Tekiuchi". This is a story of brothers who vow
to avenge of their father's wrongful death. The
brothers go after Amaoe, the man who murdered
their father. The mother laments having her
children risk their lives, but decides to give
the sword to them to help move forth their plan.
One day, the brothers learn that Amaoe is at a
nearby field. The brothers disguise themselves
as dancing girls and accost the villain.
Meanwhile, Amaoe is deeply impressed with the
girls' dance, that he disrobes himself and
offers them his sword and kimono. The boys take
advantage of this opportunity and serve him
plenty of alcohol, get him intoxicated and
successfully take his life.
When the drunken Amaoe hands his sword to the brothers
not knowing they are his enemy and totters, it
drew chuckles from the audience.
The performance was followed by a reception at
Ambassador Ando's Official Residence in purpose
to publicize the beauty of Okinawa and to
increase the number of visitors to Okinawa. The
audience took pictures with the dances in
traditional Okinawan costumes, engaged in talks
with them, and had a delightful evening learning
about Okinawa and its culture. The event also
included a presentation on Okinawa, and during
the Q&A time, the speaker was inundated with
questions, making the guests' interest in
Okinawa evident. |