“An Invitation to ‘Yukiai–Kiyohime'” by Chieko Kojima

Posted: 2015/08/14 tags: Chieko Kojima, Earth Celebration, EC 2015, EC Theatre, Kiyohime, Maiko Miyagawa, Yukiai | Posts by Kodo Members

Earth Celebration 2015 EC Theatre

Chieko Kojima’s “Yukiai–Kiyohime”

On August 23, the third day of EC 2015, I cordially invite you to join me for EC Theatre event, “Yukiai–Kiyohime.” This year we published a Kiyohime photobook and I am also working on a DVD. I look forward to sharing the world of Kiyohime with more people around the world.

First, allow me to introduce the original cast members: Shunsuke Kimura (fue [flute], shamisen [Japanese banjo]), Shingo Ikegami (koto [harp]), Hiromi Nishida (violin), and Ayuko Ikeda (percussion).

At EC, we will have a special cast that features Park Soon-A playing a Korean harp, the gayaguem. I look forward to portraying Kiyohime in another realm of sound.

But wait, there’s more! On Day 2, there will be an Iwami Kagura performance on the Fringe Stage and one of the members, Taizo Kobayashi, will join me for EC Theatre to perform a serpent dance. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to have this cast together. Don’t miss it!

The other day I visited Mr. Kobayashi at his workshop. We had a meeting about EC Theatre and rehearsed together. Our preparation is going really well!

I will perform my signature piece, Hana Hachijo, at the climax of the production.
I hope you will come along to see my unique portrayal of Kiyohime from the Tales of Dojoji.

Kiyohime Synopsis

In the springtime
A young girl played in the fields all day long
Chasing after flowers and frolicking butterflies with a pure heart Her name was Kiyohime

One day, a handsome traveling monk appeared before Kiyohime
She fell in love with him at first sight
It was in the early days of summer when dew sparkled on the fresh foliage

Before long, the morning came for the monk to leave
They promised each other that they would meet again
As Kiyohime awaited his return, her arduous yearning for the monk intensified with every day

The promised day of their reunion came and went
But the monk never appeared
Kiyohime learned that he had avoided her by taking another route

Kiyohime chased after the monk, but he escaped Kiyohime gained on him, in close pursuit
Yet the monk drove her away and vanished

Before she knew it, her sorrowful heart had started to smoulder A deep, fiery crimson red
It scattered her love, flowers, and tears

As she chased the monk, Kiyohime turned into a snake And drove the monk into a temple bell
Cornering him at last

Now a fire-breathing snake, Kiyohime coiled herself around the temple bell Enveloping it in bright, red flames along with her

Kiyohime laid her purified soul down on a pillow of snow And off it drifted
To another realm

Also, during EC please come along to see the “Kiyohime on Sado Island” Chieko Kojima × Maiko Miyagawa Photo Exhibiton. It will be held at Hiyoriyama, a cozy cafe on the main shopping street in Ogi. We hope you will enjoy this portrayal of Kiyohime‘s journey through the changing seasons on Sado Island.
Details: http://www.kodo.or.jp/ec/en/event/others/kiyohime/

Chieko Kojima “Yukiai–Kiyohime”
http://www.kodo.or.jp/ec/en/event/ectheatre/yukiahi/