As much as we enjoyed ourselves in the torrential downpours
of the last couple of Earth Celebrations we have to admit
that we found the Earth even easier to celebrate
in the three days of unbroken heat and sunshine this year.
The stage at Shiroyama Park was left open with no sides, back and a clear roof. This created a backdrop for the performers of softly illuminated trees. People emerged from the forest to appear on stage or from the long open ramp running off stage right. This was inspired by the design of Noh stages of which there are so many on Sado Island.
The intended point of the performances was 'healing' as achieved through drumming, dancing and singing. People often remark to us "I feel energized...better, after hearing the taiko." When one plays the taiko powerfully
one sends both vibrations to the body of the listener and music through the ear. When the audience rocks and sways with the rhythm the distinction is blurred between the player and listener and a bond is formed. This bond spreads among the audience too. From this opening and mingling of hearts 'healing' might very well occur.
During Kodo's performance on the first night even the heavens joined in
on the celebration of our Earth.
After a hardy pounding of the Odaiko all the lights slowly faded to black.
As our eyes adjusted to the darkness we craned our necks to the sky
and the countless stars that now were in view.
Murmers of appreciation rippled through the crowd and then,
at that very moment a brilliant shooting star blazed
across the sky right over our heads.
Over two thousand people gasped as one.
The lights on the stage slowly rose again to the sound of the drums.
