Okinawa-based theatre production, 'The Legend of Hagoromo'NEW

The Legend of Hagoromo: Okinawa-based theatre group aims to transcend the language barrier

On Saturday, February 9th, an Okinawa-based production group called SHIP OF THE RYUKYU will be presenting their theatrical rendition of a popular Okinawan folk tale in Torrance, California's James R. Armstrong Theatre. "The Legend of Hagoromo" tells the story of a mortal man's marriage to a celestial woman, as performed through Okinawan Kageki (opera). Expect a mixture of lively traditional music, dramatic scenes of grace and serenity, and most importantly, "Chimugukuru" (the Okinawan heart and spirit)!

Just in time for the Lunar New Year, "The Legend of Hagoromo" will be a live theater production made up entirely of Okinawa-based singers, actors, and musicians. It will surely be a treat for audience members of all generations, as the SHIP OF THE RYUKYU's young performers breathe new life into this classic legend with original choreography and expressive acting that aims to transcend the language barrier. The opera will also include Zouodori, a set of performances that lean more toward the folksy, energetic styles of Okinawan music and dance.

The event is being supported by the Gardena-based Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA), whose mission is to preserve and share the Okinawan culture. "It isn't often that we get to host performers and productions from Okinawa, so this is definitely a blessing and a worthwhile endeavor," Joseph Kamiya, OAA publicity and social media volunteer. "We hope that local Okinawans and Okinawans-at-heart feel the same way!"

A special scene was added at the end for this performance in Los Angeles, particularly keeping in mind the large Okinawan population here. The SHIP OF THE RYUKYU's wish is for "people who are so far away from Okinawa would be able to feel their home by seeing this performance… for people who are born in the US to feel Okinawa…"

"The Legend of Hagoromo" will be presented at the James R. Armstrong Theatre (Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance 90503) on Saturday, February 9th at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $20.00 for general admission seating. Tickets can be purchased through the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) office located in Gardena. Call (310) 532-1929 or email mensore@earthlink.net.

Date
Feb 9, 2013

Time
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm