Kalahari Herald Chronicles 22 June 2016 2#98

                  DAILY NEWS FROM MAMLAKAT KALAHARI    22 June 2016

                     (http://mykalahariblogaddress.blogspot.com)

              ((and see dara's video!  https://youtu.be/EtOflO7KktA))

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                    MAI TRADITIONAL DANCING TAVERN NIGHT

Mai is traditionally performed in Japanese rooms instead of on the stage. It was highly influenced by the Noh Drama. A variation of the Mai style of Japanese dance is the Kyomai or Kyoto Style Dance. Kyomai developed in the 17th century Tokugawa cultural period. It is heavily influenced by the elegance and sophistication of the manners often associated with the Imperial Court in Kyoto.

The movements are often subtle, layered with meaning. The use of a fan might be a used as a metaphorical representation in the story told by the dance. Emotion is implied, not directly shown by the dancer. A glance to one direction, or lifting the sleeve a certain way, may speak of the deepest feelings.

                      

In learned and focused words, Empress Hatsuka of the Wakiyo Empire, wearing a colorful junihitoe, prepared the Kalahari audience of eager patrons of the dance for the intellectual depth of traditional Wakiyo dance.

But nothing could prepare the assembled spectators for the understated power, and measured elegance displayed by Empress Hatsuka, and her Lady-in-Waiting Chikusayo. The Kalahari audience, used to the faster pace, and broad strokes of its cherished belly dance, viewed the quiet, almost sacred movement of the Kyoto Style, at first, with respectful silence.

But as they watched with interest the first dance, called the Fuji Musume side dance, and listened to the learned commentary of the Empress---"Fuji Musume itself is a dance created in such a way that one performer can change into different outfits rather quickly. This happens on stage. What you will see now, isn't that dance, but a dance that once was added as a side-dance to make it look more pretty. This dance is slowly making its way to become a stand-alone dance, like many have done before."---the quiet power of this art form became more and more evident to Kalaharians.

Respectful silence gave way to anticipation, then understanding, and finally a deep seated appreciation at the economy of movement which could produce such powerful emotions.

As the recital continued, the Empress Hatsuka explained the two remaining parts of the performance. Hatsuka explained that the first is called Kimi no Ougi which translates to Two Fans. The two fans in this dance represent two lovers as life pulls them together and apart.The second, Gion Kouta, has lyrics that will explain itself, but it is all about Gion, an entertainment district in the old capital of Kyoto.

By this point, the audience at least began to understand the many layers of the subtle performances, and deeply appreciated the wonderful accompaniment by Lady Chikusayo on her stringed instrument.

At the end of the brilliant performance, there was a moment of stunned silence, and then applause that grew slowly to a crescendo, in that way imitating the growth of the audience's perception, and the complex and beautiful artistic lesson that we were taught. King Hassan, Princess Nathalie, Minister Afraa, Lady Louise, the visitor breta, and slaves Nada and Eluned all joined in an enthusiastic burst of affirmation.

The King was clearly moved by this stunning event, and he offered a toast of friendship to the Empress, offering her an Embassy in Kalahari for her nation-in-exile, and also laid the groundwork for a treaty of peaceful relations between the Wakiyo Empire and Kalahari Kingdom.

sake

In addition, the King presented a Vase of Friendship to the Empress, representing, if not the delicacy of her performance, then at least the size of his gratitude for her generous sharing of her artistic tradition with Kalahari.

As the finale, (and it was final!!! ahahaha,) the Empress made the near tragic mistake of offering a cup of sake to King Hassan, in order to seal the good relations between the two great nations. Of course the King sampled the sake with gusto, but the potent effects took their toll, and as the King staggered to the stage, veteran monarch-watchers shuddered with fear that the aging monarch might do serious damage to himself.

Fortunately, wiser heads, and the Call of Cupid won out, as the lovely Palace Slave Nada, and the beautiful visitor breta half-carried the stumbling monarch to his bed, where he completed the artistic day with a fine performance himself. ahahaha!

Meanwhile, Minister Afraa shared mugicha (roasted barley tea with ice) with the ever generous Empress as they laid the groundwork for future relations between Wakiyo and Kalahari. And so a lovely day ended with important negotiations in the Dance Temple, and relations of a different kind in the Royal Palace. ahahaha.

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INAUGURATION OF LADY LOUISE KINGBE: MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

                          FRIDAY, 24 JUNE 2016, 12:30 PM SLT

    DANCING, STORYTELLING, FEASTING HIGHLIGHT THE INAUGURATION!

All are invited to share Louise's joy and Kalahari's good fortune! All this and baby Jason as well!

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Afraa al Abid

Kalahari Herald