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Play review by Julia Pattison: Kwaidan Japanese Ghost Stories (suitable for12+) at Theatre @41 Monkgate, York
On Sunday, November 19, we were treated to a unique retelling of two of Japan’s most infamous ghost stories,
featuring projected narration by Jonathan Goodwin of Don’t Go Into The Cellar!Theatre Company, and original and adapted drumming pieces by Kaminari UK Taiko Drummers.
We first heard the chilling tale of Yuki Onna - and how a young woodcutter was spared death by the unearthly, beautiful snow woman.
The combination of projected narration along with members of Kaminari acting out the tale in mime and performing many mesmerising, specially written drumming pieces, worked brilliantly; slowly, steadily you were drawn into this ghostly tale with stunning lighting adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Romance blossomed on a woodland path between two apparent strangers; Mary Murata and Tony Jacques’ semi-improvised piece in the Hachijo style on the Odaiko together reflected that romance beautifully.
When, in Chapter 5 the young woodcutter made a dangerous confession to his wife, who had given him no less than ten children, but mysteriously had never aged, the drumming gathered pace representing her furious disappearance, and you knew the tale wasn’t going to end well… The Katsugi style (wearing
the drum and playing both sides) really added to the tension.
After this engaging first half, the pace quickened even more, with special guest Michael Graham (who’d delighted us with an original piece on the koto (harp) during Yuki Onna) featuring as blind musician Hoichi on biwa (flute) who found his life in peril after a visit by vengeful samurai spectres.
All credit to Kaminari members, Tracy Evans, John Hughes, Tony Jacques, Mary Murata, Sarah Schallamach, Sarah Tilston and Chris Wright for their wonderful retelling of this macabre tale; Hoichi the Earless.
The drumming was superb, with standout moments being the fast and furious “ Firework “ batchi piece, and the building up of the tension using many different drumming techniques as Hoichi faced a grim ordeal at the hands of an unknown Samurai.
Hoichi endured a horrific act of violence, yet survived, and amazingly prospered, with the final piece of music powerfully summing up his experience (based on a pattern by Fujimoto Yoshikazu of Kodo drummers, written and adapted by Kaminari UK).
This presentation of Kwaidan Japanese Ghost stories cast its spell on you right from the beginning. An innovative and dynamic piece of theatre combining storytelling and drumming. Magic!