[Kodo Next Generation] “Merci!” by Mio Teycheney-Takashiro

July 23, 2018Photo: Takuro Susaki

Our two-week-long residence at Théâtre du Soleil has flown by and our final performance is over.

Thanks to everyone’s support we welcomed full houses every day, in fact it was more than full on the final day with over forty people on the waitlist. So, we invited those people in to sit in the aisles and on extra benches so they didn’t miss out.

Photo: Mio Takashiro

When the curtain call rolled around, we saw many members of the Theatre gathered alongside the seating area. During our encore number, they looked like they were having a great time dancing and embracing each other.

Photo: Takuro Susaki

I am truly happy that we were able to carry out this performance series in Paris with the warm support of so many people.

Photo: Mio Takashiro

I am writing this post the day after the finale. Today we have been packing our instruments and bags, tidying up, and cleaning. While I am feeling grateful for the wonderful time we have had here, I also feel sad knowing that our stay at Théâtre du Soleil is about to end.

Photo: Takuro Susaki

Both the cast and production staff for “Kodo Next Generation” are young, so my role was to support them. I watched over them every day.

They are the next generation of Kodo and they are brimming with passion, energy, and joy. I feel that the future is in good hands. This residence with them in Paris was an exciting, valuable experience for all of us.

Photo: Takuro Susaki

The time we all spent at this utopia, Théâtre du Soleil, is like a precious seed. I am already looking forward to seeing the fruit it bears in the years to come.

Lastly, on behalf of Kodo, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and respect to Ariane Mnouchkine of  Théâtre du Soleil for inviting “Kodo Next Generation” to France.
Merci beaucoup!!!

Photo: Takuro Susaki

 

Mio Teycheney-Takashiro, Production Manager

Kodo Next Generation (France)


Photo: Takashi Okamoto

“Kodo is Off to Egypt for the First Time!” by Kodai Yoshida

Feb. 2, 2018

Just when I thought the extreme cold wave had ended, I heard that much of Sado Island was now without water. It’s been chaotic here for many days. Amidst trying circumstances, we have been rehearsing at Kodo Village for our upcoming Egypt performances. It will be Kodo’s first time to perform there and when we arrive in Egypt, that will mark the 50th country Kodo where has performed to date.
Photo: Erika UedaDirector Tomohiro Mitome is leading the cast of nine for these performances. You wouldn’t think it was just nine people by the number of pieces and rich content. Tomohiro said to us, “It’s a tough program, but let’s enjoy ourselves.” And with that, our rehearsals began.

Photo: Erika Ueda

The cast features a lot of young performers, so while the rehearsals were very lively, they also made us reaffirm that we have our work cut out for us each time we appear on stage.

Photo: Erika Ueda

We had a tight rehearsal schedule with only one week to practice. The stage manager, Kazuki Imagai, who is a former Kodo performer, told us that, “Even if there is no time, you still have to do everything properly.” The senior Kodo members gave us strict, clear instructions and our rehearsals steadily progressed.

Photo: Erika Ueda

I have been practicing hard as I imagine the unknown land where I am heading. It’ll be everyone’s first time visiting Egypt. I wonder what awaits us over there…

Photo: Erika Ueda

Feb. 9 (Fri) & 11 (Sun), 2018 Kodo Select Ensemble Appearance in “Japanese Drums Concert” (Egypt)

“Shishi Hair Whip” by Kengo Watanabe

When I joined Kodo, I never imagined I would be given the chance to wear kumadori stage makeup or perform the traditional hair whip (kefuri) shown in the photo above! When I appear on stage in the role of shishi (beast), I perform each and every hair whip with great care.

Photo: Takashi Okamoto

Tamasaburo Bando x Kodo Special Performance “Yugen” (Japan)

“Getting Ready for Our ‘EC 30th Anniversary Celebration Concert'” by Jun Jidai

Hi, everyone! It’s Jun Jidai.
How are you doing?


Earth Celebration 2017 is just around the corner! Chihiro Watanabe and I will be the MCs at the “EC 30th Anniversary Celebration Concert” on Aug. 20, the final day of EC. We don’t usually chat with the audience when we appear on stage with Kodo, but we will do our very best to entertain everyone with our banter at this outdoor performance!

Also…guess what! All the members of Kodo are going to appear on stage during this performance! That is so rare, believe me!

The cast ranges in age from 20 through to 66 years old. We’re going to drum, dance, and sing our hearts out. Mitsuru Ishizuka has created a great setlist for your enjoyment.


Please join us this weekend for this one-night-only performance. We’re waiting for you all, drumming everyday on Sado to get ready for all the performances!

See you there!

 


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