''Kitano Odori,'' which is the top of the spring performances in Kyoto's red-light district, is being held at the Kamishichiken Kaburenjo in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. Geisha and maiko captivated the audience with their gorgeous dance and drama performances.
The first part is the original folklore drama “Kumo no Kakehashi”. While depicting the love story between a tengu young man and an innocent girl, the film also included a satire on today's society, which is full of greed and secret money, and drew laughter from the audience. The second part is ''Tabijo Tokorodokoro,'' a pure dance that introduces various parts of Japan, such as Awaji and Sendai, like a picture scroll. At the finale, geishas in black hemlines and maikos in colorful kimonos performed the annual ''Kamishichiken Yakyoku,'' which received thunderous applause from the audience, where many foreigners were prominent.
All of this program was composed by Kiyomoto Umekichi (Kanafu Matsubara), a Living National Treasure of the Kiyomoto-bushi shamisen player who passed away in January last year at the age of 90, and they are also meant to commemorate his memory.
Until April 2nd. There will be two performances each day at 2pm and 4:30pm. 6,000 yen (7,000 yen with tea ceremony). Kamishichiken Kabukai 075 (461) 0148.
