You see before you Bando Tamasaburo V, b. 1950. He is probably the greatest onnagata that has ever lived. I had the extreme honor of seeing him perform twice in NYC and actually meet him. It changed my life forever. His performance will shake you to the core of your soul and leave you wondering if your own humanity is genuine enough. There are no words, absolutely nothing in the world to compare to this experience.
He must be a HIGH ranking dancer in his line of work. he has a great face that looks like it walked out of a traditional Japanese painting and he has studied women's movement perfectly. He is so AMAZING!
I can't imagine how difficult to be so expressive with so minimal movements! There is absolutely no room to hide or cover mistakes... yet "she" looks beyond perfect from top to toe.
It's so delicate and sophisticated. The story of this and many other courtesans evokes a feeling of sadness in me. She doesn't look human, but a perfect creature. She's so full of emotions, however, and is unable to show them up in public. Treated just like fine and beautiful objetcs, might not love or wish for themselves and lived for others' entertainment. They were like gorgeous little birds, prisoners inside golden cages...
Me too ! I have seen his performance two times last there s one month, and i had the honor to meet him two times too but i cannot explain how i felt and how i still feel as it was incredibly strong and moving. I still cannot believe it...
bloodymissb, it is "Yukari no Tuki" off the Fuji Musume: Kabuki Dance DVD, 95 minutes long with English commentary. 由縁の月／保名／葵の上／鐘の岬 = Yukari no Tuki/ Yasuna/Aoi no Ue/Kane no Misaki. どういたしまして You are welcome. :)
@ffmatheus yesasia is one of the vendors where you can get the DVD from. You can also try Amazon.co.jp. The DVD title is "坂東玉三郎舞踊集（6）" which is V.6 of the DVD set.
