Ryukyu Dynasty musical revived on stage

Ryukyu Dynasty musical revived on stage


May 16, 2011

The kumiodori traditional Okinawan musical of the Ryukyu Dynasty, “The World of Ukwanshin Woudui Chushin Migawari no Maki,” was performed at the National Theatre Okinawa on May 15. The performance was part of a special research project to commemorate the day that the kumiodori was designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Heritage, the date that Okinawa reverted to Japanese sovereignty in 1972.

The special stage used during the dynasty period was reproduced for the first time at the theater, with a roof and three doorways where the Ryukyuan performers welcomed the envoys of the Emperor of the Chinese Dynasty.
Following the abolition of feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures during the Meiji Era, the box set format was used for most stages, including the kumiodori with two entranceways for the performers to the left and right.
Historical materials have verified that the Ukwanshin Woudui was performed on a three-way format stage, reproduced here to encourage people to consider the way future kumiodori should be performed.
The audience was enthralled by a stage reminiscent of the atmosphere back in the days of the Ryukyu Dynasty.

(English Translation by T&CT, Mark Ealey）

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