THE She-Fox of Shinoda visits the Plough Arts Centre, Torrington on Saturday November 25 at 8pm.
This is a traditional Japanese story from the 17th century which has not been performed live for 50 years. The Japanese puppet troupe Saruhachi-za will perform to western music specially composed by Colin Hodgetts and sung by soprano Angela Henckel, treble Katherine Leat and baritone Alexander Ward, accompanied by flute, viola, guitar and light percussion.
Saruhachi-za is a puppet troupe from the island of Sado performing in the Bunya tradition. Bunya Puppets, which first came to Sado in the 18th Century, originated in Osaka in the 17th century. The puppets, which are operated by one person, possess a simplicity which belies a powerful presence.
The She-Fox of Shinoda is an enchanting story of a vixen who has become a beautiful woman, married an exiled courtier, borne him a son then escaped into the forest, and an opportunity to experience a truly unique project — a puppet opera for adults. The project is supported by Southwest Arts, Year of the Artist and the Japan Foundation.
There is a puppet workshop on Saturday November 25 between 2.30-4pm, which is an introduction to the world of Bunya puppetry.
Participants will be shown the operating techniques and encouraged to manipulate the puppets for themselves. They will also learn about the differences between Bunya and Bunraka puppets and about the enormous potential that the simple Bunya puppets possess for deep dramatic expression.
Box office: 01805 624624.