Okinawa was an independent kingdom called The Ryukyu Kingdom from the 15th to the 19th century.Today, the remnants of that ancient time still echo in the traditional exotic culture and unique customs of Okinawa that have been passed down through the generations.
Ryukyu dance is conventionally classified into four major genres whose stylistic features are products of different socio-historical conditions. There are classical dance(court dance), zo u’dui(popular dance established in the late 19th century), modern dance and folk dance. Ryukyu dance is registered as an Important Intangible Cultural property of Japan.
Kumi-u’dui is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Japan and which incorporates traditional Okinawan music, dance and lines. The phrases have a particular rhythm, based upon traditional poetry and the distinctive intonation of the Ryukyu scale, and are performed in the ancient language of Okinawa. It has been performed at a reception party for heralds from the Chinese Emperor in 17th century.
The performance in the 2017 Kuandu Art Festival has selected Ryukyu dances and Kumi-u’dui ‘Manzai Tichiuchi’. ‘Manzai Tichiuchi’ is one of the famous Kumi-u’dui. It's a story about brothers avenge to their enemy who killed their father. Please enjoy the diverse beauty of Okinawan culture and arts.
About the Group│
The Program of Ryukyuan Performing Arts in the Okinawa Prefectural University of the Arts aims to train the successors who can inherit and develop the traditional Okinawan performing arts, Including Kumi-u’dui, classical music and classical dance. Furthermore, students who attend the MA program of Music Arts and Ph.D. program of cultural Art Studies specialize in higher education related to theories and practices of Ryukyuan Arts. The current performing troupe is formed of young enthusiastic students from the above programs.
