Iwami Kagura
Volunteer 2015 top
ANSO
The first time I heard about Kagura and saw a performance was here in Masuda during this workcamp. I was really impressed by the costumes and particularly by the Orochi (Giant serpents) play. Since I am very interested in Shinto, I was glad I was able to discover this ancient dance and learned more about Shinto. Kagura plays are about Japanese mythology and it’s really funny to watch as there is a lot of interaction with the public. Some actors are still children and every generation can enjoy this art. We had the chance to saw it two times, one time during the Taketoro event and another time in EAGA.
TOMI
In the park and the city we have twice seen the theater Iwami Kagura. Iwami Kagura is traditional theater consisting of music, dance, costumes and masks. Plays tell about Japanese legends, gods and their exploits. We have seen the most popular play about snake, which every night took away from the village girls. Then God Susano came down to earth and has saved the family from assassination last daughter. Iwami Kagura is very interesting and spectacular. The most spectacular part of the play is the appearance of a huge snake operated by several people. When the snake dances, it seems as if it is the really. We watched with great pleasure the theater from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend everyone to see Iwami Kagura and I want to again see this theather!
Ayaka
The day the three thousands bamboo lanterns event took place, was the day I saw Iwami kagura for the first time. I was fascinated with the colorful clothes and the Japan-like music which consists of Kagura flute and Japanese drum. In front of the stage, there were a lot of local people watching Iwami kagura.
During the work camp, I had a chance to watch Iwami kagura again. But, the second time was not as spectators but as volunteers. The role we did was to receive the tickets and to hand them over. We also gave stickers but only to the children. I spent a wonderful time watching the great performance and helping as a volunteer.
I was surprised to see that Iwami kagura is also really popular with children. I expected the traditional musical to be popular especially among old people, but in reality, Iwami kagura is loved by all the local people without difference of ages.
Since there is a variety of Iwami kagura, I want to watch Iwami kagura again when I visit Shimane.
