The Heron Maiden

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The Heron Maiden

April 1762, Edo

A dance in which the spirit of a heron takes the form of a young girl. There were historically three versions of the song that forms the basis of this piece, the oldest of which is the one used today. This was one of six linked dances in an entertainment by Kikunojo II entitled Yanagi Hina Shocho Saezuri (Young Birds Singing in the Willow Tree). The heron portion was then forgotten until May 1886, when Danjuro IX revived it as part of the show Tsuki Yuki Hana Mitsugumi Sakazuki (Moon, Snow, Flower and Three Sake Trays). Since then, it has been performed independently and is now a key female dance piece.
The song itself is considered a major nagauta work, played in the shamisen equivalent of C Minor (whereby the shamisen’s three strings are lowered one tone). It is characterized by a mellow tone. The curtains rise in total darkness (the audience needs to be seated before the show can begin), and the stage in general remains dimly lit. But there are many visually stunning moments, such as the hikinuki (instant costume changes), that heighten the drama.

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Heron Spirit（Bando Tamasaburo）　January 2009　Kabukiza Theatre

●publication date　March 2015