Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538990
LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt 2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 31 AUGUST 2025 THEATRE The Sacred Dance of Iwami Kagura IN celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Malta, the Japanese embassy, together with the Hamada City Local Govern- ment of Shimane Prefecture, presents a rare and resplendent performance: The Sacred Dance of Iwami Kagura: Dynamic Tra- dition of Japan, at Teatru Ma- noel on 5 September. This captivating performance interweaves myth, music, and movement, inviting the audi- ence to experience a tradition that is both sacred and festive, an epic of gods, demons, and di- vine play brought vividly to life through ritual. Speaking to MaltaToday from Hamada, the Iwami Kagura team explained that a defining feature of the art form is its abil- ity to "cherish tradition while al- so embracing the changes of the times, continuously challenging itself with both the inheritance of tradition and new initiatives." This adaptability, they added, allows Iwami Kagura to encom- pass both "traditional perfor- mances such as ritual dances" and "innovative performanc- es incorporating modern ele- ments." Iwami Kagura from Hamada City has been performed abroad for more than 50 years. While its origins lie in Shinto ritual, expressing gratitude for bounti- ful harvests and plentiful catch- es of fish, it has evolved into a beloved form of popular enter- tainment enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. "Over the years, we have given more than 50 per- formances, invited by countries across Europe, North and South America, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East, to showcase our dance," the team noted. In 2019, Iwami Kagura was reg- istered as a component cultur- al asset of Japan heritage. Soon after, however, the COVID-19 pandemic put overseas perfor- mances on hold. "That is why we are especially delighted to finally be performing in the Republic of Malta," the team said. At the heart of the upcoming performance is the legendary tale of The Orochi. "This piece depicts the story of Susanoo no Mikoto's triumph over the Yamata no Orochi, as recorded in Japan's ancient chronicles. It is one of the most emblematic works of Iwami Kagura, a true symbol of the tradition," the team explained. The spectacle is brought to life through masterful craftsman- ship. The masks of Jagashira (snake heads), combined with the serpentine forms of Iwami Kagura Jado (serpent bodies), create a breathtaking portray- al of the Great Serpent, over- whelming audiences with their vitality and power. In the cli- mactic scene, Susanoo no Miko- to brandishes his sword against the serpent, while the Orochi emits dazzling Iwami Kagu- ra Fireworks from its mouth, a magnificent effect that height- ens the drama of the dance. Although the fireworks cannot be used in this performance in Malta, the team emphasized that the dynamic energy and artistry of the dance will be more than enough to enchant the audience. The majority of practitioners are local residents Iwami Kagura and its culture have spread widely across the Chūgoku region, but its heart lies in Shimane Prefecture. To- day, there are more than 130 Kagura groups in the Iwami ar- ea, with over 50 of them based in Hamada City, making it a true sacred home for the tradition. The performers explained that practitioners are primarily local residents, ranging from pre- school children to elders in their seventies and eighties. "Balanc- ing studies, work, and daily life, they diligently practice each day, dedicating their efforts to the preservation and development of Iwami Kagura, a precious as- set of the community, through offerings and performances," the team said. Deeply embedded in local life, Iwami Kagura is performed not only at shrines but also at fes- tivals, regular performances, community events, and even at wedding receptions,testament to its enduring role in everyday life. This ubiquity makes it an ob- ject of admiration for children, who look up to Kagura perform- ers as heroes. "Beginning 'Kagu- ra play' at an early age is charac- teristic of children in Hamada," the team noted. "It is common in homes, kindergartens, pre- schools, and elementary schools. As a result, many children aspire to join, leading to the formation of children's Kagura groups and their integration into existing troupes, ensuring the continuity of this tradition." The growth of children's groups has gained strong sup- port from the community, with competitions organized by lo- cal companies and associations. High schools in Hamada also offer Kagura as part of club ac- tivities, further nurturing the next generation. "Many young people even choose to remain in their hometown because of their involvement in Iwami Kagura, playing a vital role in sustaining the local community," the team said. Performing abroad Of course, performing over- seas brings challenges. The team noted that audiences are often encouraged to watch explanato- ry videos beforehand, and sub- titles are sometimes displayed to assist understanding. "How- ever, even without these aids, Iwami Kagura can be enjoyed," they said, "because many perfor- mances feature clear narratives, such as 'defeating demons and great serpents.'" This universal storytelling, they explained, makes the art form accessible across cultures. "Some pieces, however, contain extensive dialogue and complex storylines, which are less suited to international audiences. That is why we carefully select works like The Orochi when perform- ing abroad." The Sacred Dance of Iwami Kagura: Dynamic Tradition of Japan will be taking place at Teatru Manoel on Friday 5 Sep- tember at 7:30pm. Photo: Teatru Malta