On Saturday, February 3, Japan-America Society of Houston in partnership with Japan Society presented NIHON BUYO in the 21st Century: From Kabuki Dance to Boléro at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

Attendees were treated to an evening of superlative dance and music through works spanning two centuries.

Toba-e, which premiered at the Edo Nakamura-za Theater in 1819, provided a showcase of traditional kabuki-style movements through the comedic and lighthearted tale of a servant ensnared by a mouse’s charm.

Boléro ~ The Legend of Anchin and Kiyohime~, a work created in 2021 by esteemed choreographer Hayanagi Genkuro, recounted the ancient Japanese folk tale The Legend of Dōjōji accompanied by Maurice Ravel’s famous Boléro. In the tale, Kiyohime, an innkeeper’s daughter, falls in love with the monk Anchin, only to be spurned by his rejection when he does not return to meet as promised. Consumed by rage, Kiyohime transforms into a giant snake to pursue Anchin, finally causing his fiery death as he attempts to flee into the bell of Dōjōji Temple.

According to The New York Times dance critic Gia Kourlas,
Genkuro’s retelling of The Legend of Dōjōji “coaxes out the sinister notes of the score in a deranged but good way,” creating something “full of drama, danger and brittle, seething anger.”

Attention was also given to the musical traditions underpinning Japanese dance. Classic and contemporary arrangements featured the fue (flute), shamisen, traditional percussion instruments, and chanters.

Matsuri readied the crowd with rhythms traditionally heard in shinto rituals that were followed by lively festival beats. Yugiri, the Courtesan, which was first performed in 1863, introduced the sorrowful Jōruri shamisen music with expressive chanted storytelling performed in Kiyomoto style. The contemporary composition Hana by performer Tosha Suiho transported listeners to the Heian Period (794-1180) where a noble procession was taking place under the cherry blossoms.

Through NIHON BUYO in the 21st Century, Japanese dance and music amused and moved in equal measure. It was truly an honor to share with Houston.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special performance.

The North American tour of Nihon Buyo in the 21st Century is produced and organized by Japan Society, New York, NY, and is supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan through the Japan Arts Council, The JEC Fund, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

This program is part of Houston’s celebration of the U.S.-Japan Tourism Year 2024.

This performance of NIHON BUYO in the 21st Century: From Kabuki Dance to Boléro is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.