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"Okinawa Kumiodori" Performance at Japan Society

 



     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.


 


 


 


 

   
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