Shiki-no-Yamamba

I have been having lessons almost everyday.  And I have to say that my knees are killing me.  I am learning a piece called Shiki-no-Yamamba　（ 四季の山姥）Yamamba is often translated as "Mountain Witch"  though the character of Yamamba is not a "witch" but a supernatural being, female, very strong and the mother of Kintaro who becomes a famous warrior.  This being kabuki, she was a beautiful courtesan in her life previous to living in a mountain hut...and this dance describes that past life. And of course - as it is kabuki - though the dance takes place in the mountains, she is dressed in a long silk kimono and brocades. This is NOT realism!


I foolishly thought that this dance would be rather quiet and sedate, as the character is a "middle-aged" woman.  Hah. It describes everything from the courtesan district in the spring, shamisen playing, gather clams on the seaside, a boatman, the flgight of crows, the vista in the mountains...lots and lots of charcters and movement.  I hope I can make it!


http://www.kabuki21.com/yaegiri_kuruwa_banashi.php