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Summary:
In this tale, taken from Japanese mythology, the Kami (gods) perform spectacles of beauty and delight in hopes of luring the sun goddess, Amaterasu, out of hiding.
Principle:
The Kojiki or Records of Past Matters, is a collection of histories regarding the origins of Japan which were told at the time of the Yamato Court (800 C.E.).
Aesthetic:
This production was created especially for an event held at the Seattle Opera House in September 2001. The Cabiri show included character interactions with audience members in the lobby and a 25-minute onstage performance.
The tengu forest goblins created havoc in the lobby, teasing audience members and cart wheeling across the large open spaces. Omokane, Amaterasu, and Susano-o walked about the lobby on stilts, interacting with event attendees. Uzume performed veil dances and handed out flowers as the guests arrived.
Onstage, a myriad of performances were presented in hopes of luring Amaterasu out of her hiding place and returning the sun to the dark skies.
Omokane juggled 3, 4, and 5 balls with grace and ease, but to no avail. Uzume and attendant twirled fiery lights, but failed to capture the sun goddess’ attention. The tengu demonstrated their aerial flight atop trapeze to pulsating drumbeats, and had no success. Finally, Uzume began a graceful veil dance, which evolved into a baudy, raucous dance. Amateresu, horrified yet intrigued, finally emerged from hiding to discover what maiden dared to dance in such a manner. Uzume revealed herself and Amaterasu soared once again into the sky, returning light to the world.
All costumes were patterned after classic Japanese clothing style, complete with fully-lined women’s kimonos and hakima for the men. Hair designers created elaborate flowered updos for Amaterasu and Uzume using real and synthetic hairpieces. Makeup design was taken from traditional Japanese Kabuki theater. The Let’s Dance! House Band provided a variety of percussion sounds to compliment the production.
This performance was later adapted for street theater, substituting fire juggling for the trapeze performances, and was presented at the Cirque du Broadway street festival.
Retrospective:
Performing onstage at the Seattle Opera House was the opportunity of lifetime. We look forward to the opportunity to grace the stage again someday.
Images
 Amaterasu dancing in the lobby of the Opera House |
 Ameterasu and Omokane the crafty god |
 Susano-o, the impetuous thunder god |
 Unable to contain his instincts, Susano-o scares the fragile Amaterasu |
 In the lobby, a pair of Tengu create havoc as audience members enter the Opera House |
 Onstage, Susano-o is thrown to the ground by admonishing Kami for terrorizing Amaterasu |
 Tajikara, the Kami of strength, cuts Susano-o's beard off in an act of punishment. Uzume watches as the Tengu drag him away. |
 Omokane presents a plan to the other Kami to lure Amaterasu from the cave where she is hiding. |
 Uzume presents the mirror which will enrapture the sun goddess and draw her out into the world. |
 The Tengu open the festival, dancing and cartwheeling across the stage. |
 Jugglers present their skills to the cave in hopes of stirring Amaterasu's interest. |
 Omokane delivers a cascade of agility with five glowing red balls as the Kami watch in amazement. |
 Uzume and attendant twirl flashes of lightning in a fiery dance. |
 The Tengu fly to their perches... |
 and spin an amazing dance of grace, strength and flight. |
 Despite all efforts, Amaterasu stays hidden in her cave. |
 In a flurry of gold Uzume begins a graceful veil dance that transforms into a raucous, bawdy dance. The Kami cackle and hoot at the spectacle. |
 Amaterasu is drawn out of hiding by the glow of the mirror Uzume holds in front of her face. |
 Resuming her place in the heavens, Amaterasu ascends into the sky, returning the glow of sunlight to the land. Joyous song fills the stage. |
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 All bow as applause erupts. |
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