The Rock-Cave
This performance tells the famous story of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, who hides inside a rock cave and plunges the world into darkness. The other gods attempt to lure her outside through music, dancing, and laughter.
The story comes from the ancient Japanese mythology recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. Amaterasu, the sun goddess, becomes angered by the actions of her brother Susanoo and hides inside the Ama-no-Iwato rock cave. With Amaterasu hidden away, the world falls into darkness. The other gods gather outside the cave and devise a plan to bring her back. They create a great celebration with music, dancing, and laughter. Curious about the noise outside, Amaterasu eventually opens the cave and light returns to the world.
Amaterasu — The sun goddess who hides inside the Ama-no-Iwato rock cave, causing the world to fall into darkness.
Susanoo — Amaterasu's younger brother whose violent behavior causes her to retreat into the cave.
Ame-no-Uzume — A goddess of dance and celebration who performs outside the cave and helps lure Amaterasu out.
Other Gods — The gods who gather outside the cave and devise a plan to restore light to the world.
Watch the contrast between darkness and celebration. Ame-no-Uzume's energetic dancing and the reactions of the other gods create a lively atmosphere as they attempt to bring Amaterasu out of the cave. The moment when Amaterasu finally emerges represents the return of light to the world.
Photographs from Hiroshima Kagura performances
No photographs are available yet.