Okinawa Kumiodori

Japan Society presents the rare elegance and vibrancy of Okinawa Kumiodori, the theater form unique to Okinawa, the southernmost chain of small islands in Japan. Visually and aurally stunning, this art form, influenced by kabuki and noh theatrical motifs, originated from public entertainment in the early 18th century and was perfected through the history of interaction between Japan, Korea and China. Along with traditional court music and dance, the program includes renowned revenge play Nido Tekiuchi in which two brothers disguise themselves as dancing girls to avenge their father’s murder, as well as an excerpt from Shushin Kaneiri, a classic play in which a Buddhist Monk battles a demon.