This performance, combining recitation with live koto performance, comprised five scenes from “Kiritsubo,” the first chapter of The Tale of Genji. Recitations of the original text, as well as modern translations by several authors including Nozomu Hayashi, Junichiro Tanizaki, and Fumiko Enchi, were accompanied by or alternated with original compositions and improvisations by koto player Michiyo Yagi, in an attempt to bring the thousand-year-old story to life. Professor Hidenori Jinno of Waseda University, who supervised the performance, joined the duo on stage to provide commentary on the historical background of this proto-novel, helping to make some of the archaic language easy to follow. Yagi performed on electric 17- and 21-string kotos as well as on the traditional 13-stringed variety, utilizing a variety of tunings and playing styles depending on the scene. Matsuura’s recitation took advantage of the rhythms of the original text as well as the individuality of each translator.

Script: Konomi Matsuura
Music: Michiyo Yagi
Cast: Konomi Matsuura (recitation), Michiyo Yagi (electric 21- and 17-string kotos, acoustic 13-string koto, electronics, vocal) , Hideno Jinno (supervision and commentary)
Music producer & sound engineer: Mark E. Rappaport
Stage director & sound engineer: Masakazu Matsuura
Lighting: Mika Aoyagi