Ship of the Ryukyu will present “The Legend of Hagoromo: Ryukyu ‘Opera’ & Okinawan Dance Performance” on Saturday, February 9, 3:00 pm at James Armstrong Theater, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503.
General admissions are $20. For tickets, call the Okinawa Association of America at (310) 532-1929.
“The Legend of Hagoromo” show consist of two parts: Okinawan dance “Zouodori” and Ryukyu “opera” – The Legend of Celestial Robe (Hagoromo).
Ryukyu ‘opera’ as known as Kumiodori has been performed in Okinawa for over 120 years, and still popular entertainment today.
“The Legend of Celestial Robe” is a story of human being husband and celestial being wife, and their children. The stage is based on an old folk tale, but its choreographies are created by a young choreographer to put new life into the classical piece. Full of dance and songs, young performers act out young lovers to be married couple and then become old.
“Zouodori” evolved as opening and interval act of Ryukyu ‘opera.’ While classical dance was mellow and gentle, Zouodori attracted people with its lively music, casual costume, and rhythmical choreography.
On Feb. 9, Zouodori program will include: Tanchame, Hamachidori, and Hatoma bushi.
Performer: Aki Chinen, Natsu Janado, Shinji Kinjo, Kaname Goya, Aika Fukunaga, Aika Miyagi, Kaori Matsuda, Sayuki Ihara
Vocal and Sanshin: Hideki Hanashiro, Dai Taira
Koto: Chisaki Nakadai
Fue: Mariko Sawai
Kokyu: Asako Nishiyama