TIFF presents Cinema Kabuki: Lion Dance

Premiered in 1893
Written by Ochi Fukuchi
Composed by Shojiro Kineya III
Recorded live at Kabuki-za Theatre, Tokyo, 2009
70 min. (Introduction 10 min. + dance 60 min. )
Subtitled in English
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdPjLAYMbzI

For the late Kanzaburo XVIII “Lion Dance” was the most precious gem of his family tradition. Danjuro XI, who created the piece, was the mentor of Kanzaburo’s grandfather, Kikugoro XI. Four generations of the best Kabuki actors of their eras nurtured “Kagami Jishi” and developed it into one of the best examples of the dance repertoire in Kabuki theatre. A single dancer conjures up a stunning contrast of two images: A young maiden in the Shogun’s castle is transformed by the spirit of the majestic Shishi, a mythical animal. The healthy, sophisticated eroticism of a young woman is conveyed by the dancer in the first part. She is noble, sensitive, yet coquettish at times. But, when the spirit of the ferocious Shishi takes over her body, the animal stamps the earth, and swings his mane in the air, celebrating the prosperity and glory of life.

Tickets: $22 link
On sale: TIFF Members January 13; General public January 20

Cinema Kabuki is presented by TIFF in partnership with The Japan Foundation, Toronto.