(: J-ASEAN Dance Collaboration Celebrates 40 years of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and ASEAN.)
MAU means ‘to dance’ in japanese and the show brings ‘a vibrant, kabuki-inspired, dance tapestry embroidered with colorful threads from various traditional Southeast Asian art-forms’.
What is Kabuki, may you ask. It is a traditional japanese dance, with designated theaters in e.g. Tokyo.
When I arrived at the theatre, it looked as if I was the only media-person.
Everybody else present was either involved in the organization, the production or playing in the show.
I felt awkward and a bit embarrassed. When they explained that the two days in Singapore were already sold out and that these were their last performances of the tour, I felt relieved. It meant that nothing depended on me in whatever way. Wether I liked it or not, wether I would write about it or not, it would make no difference. Pfffew….
So almost alone in a theatre for 350 people, I watched a 20 minute segment of the show. It was very interesting and I loved it!
How unique, to bring dancers from five different countries, styles, backgrounds and ages, together in one show. Going on tour together. Cool!
The music that accompanies this show is played from tape, but there are two live musicians adding to that.
The dancers/actors belong to the following groups:
- Soke-Fujima-Ryu (Fujima School), Japan
- LKB Saraswati, Indonesia
- ASWARA Dance Company, Malaysia
- Airdance, Philippines
- Siong Leng Musical Association, Singapore
- and Mr. Kunyia Sawamura as the Spider Monster, Japan
The segment that I saw came from the finale of the show.
It evolves around a spider-demon, who tries to capture the (groups of) dancers. Sometimes he succeeds, sometimes they escape. Alliances are formed in order to conquer the spiderman together.
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| Spider Demon throws out his web over the other dancers. |
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| I was fascinated by the red inside of his mouth that comes out so strongly . |
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| Throwing out his web once more. |
I was intrigued by the spider character, so afterwards I chose him to ask some questions.
The Spider Monster is played by a professional Japanese Kabuki actor and dancer, mr. Kunyia Sawamura. He is normally performing in one of the Kabuki theaters in Tokyo.
The costume he was wearing, including his headgear, weighs something like 35 kg!. The huge wig-and-tail and the costume are beautifully made. His make-up is fantastic too; he does that himself.
He told me that this collaboration has been inspiring for all participants, learning a lot from each other.
There is no use recommending this show, since it was a temporary project that has finished. But I think the audience must have had a great time!
When I travel to Tokyo (on my wish list since sooooo long now), I will surely try to catch a Kabuki show!
Did you ever go to a Kabuki show? Or to any of the other disciplines that are represented in this show?
I saw several Balinese dances about 25 years ago and I was blown away. Classic Chinese opera still has to grow on me;-).
Can you appreciate traditional dances like these? What type of dance do you like?
Wow, this spider character is very impressive! I mean - the costume and make-up and hair style. I suppose it was an interesting experience to watch this kind of performance. I like traditional Asian dances but so far I’ve seen Indian, Nepalese, Thai and Sri Lankan. No Japanese or Indonesian…Hope, one day…
Wow, then you have seen a lot more different dances then I have, Olga. I never saw any of the ones you mention! Which country was your favorite, in terms of traditional dances?
This looks very interesting. It is great when you have the opportunity to experience other cultures as you do.
I have never seen anything like this. It reminds me of what I might see at an opera.
bisous
Suzanne
Yes, I feel very fortunate to be able to travel, live abroad, and explore cities, cultures and art!