“Aoi  No Ue” (from The Tale of Genji)
Collaboration of Dance and Reading

"The Tale of Genji" is a well-known literature of the Heian period in Japan
,written by Murasaki-shikibu.
It is a long story of the hero, Hikaru Genji's numerous love affairs.

Aoi is the formal wife of Genji. She has been faced with her husband's unfaithfulness and his love affairs with many others. She never said a word about it nor expressed her sadness and despair..

The dance attempts to express Aoi's deep inner feelings and her hidden emotions.
“Who is the real Lover of Genji?”  Aoi’s heart cries out silently.

Written and Directed by Gen
Dance :  Etoko Sakaguchi
Poetry Reading : Miho Kobayashi


Profile of Etoko Sakaguchi;
Started dancing practice in 1970.
After graduated from Toho Entertainment Academy Dance Department, Etoko joined
Shiki Theatre Company, a well know theatrical company of Dance & Music. 
She appeared in the " Fubuki Koshiji's dramatic recital”," Brothers Karamazov", and  musical for children".

After leaving the company she continued to appear in various Toho Musicals, TV shows, and commercials.

She was also one of the most important dancers of Shinoi Setsuko's Jazz Dance Company and studied dance and English in New York in 1978 and 1982.

In 1986  she established " Etoko Dance Company" and since then she has been performing at Shibuya Jean Jean, Ikebukuro Art Theatre and so on.

1996-1998  - Edinburgh Festival Fringe,  she performed "Rokujyo" "Seitaigo" and "Kyoka" and had receivedfavorable reviews.

This new piece is created for Adelaide Fringe Festival 2008. 
It is a world premiere.