Geisha – A World Premiere by Northern Ballet

Last night, I had the pleasure of enjoying the world’s first performance of Northern Ballet’s ‘Geisha’ – and an induction into the world of the geisha.

The story for Geisha was an original creation by the team from Northern Ballet, based on true events in the life of Okichi.  It is not well known in the West, but in Japan, Okichi has become a legend. However, the facts of Okichi’s life are limited, giving the creative team plenty of room for imagination and opportunities to ask ‘What if?’.

The choreography (Kenneth Tindall, Choreographer in Residence) and music (score by Alexandra Harwood) were incredible, telling the story beautifully. I was amazed by this original ballet, which combined life, love and sorrow in just two hours of magic. This is just the sort of production to attract those who have never seen ballet at first hand before.   

Geisha tells the story of Okichi, an experienced geisha, performed last night by South Korean ballerina Minju Kang, who befriends Aiko, a trainee, performed by American dancer Sarah Chun. The two geishas become best friends, with a sisterly bond. They support each other as they prepare for performances. At the beginning of the ballet, the girls are seen dancing together, in duets which are stunning, timed to perfection and so graceful. Their matching, flowing costumes and the soothing Japanese-inspired music help to tell the tale of their growing bond.   

Over time, Okichi develops a connection with Takeda, a young samurai, performed by Japanese dancer Riku Ito. Okichi and Takeda grow closer, with the music growing softer, highlighting the intimacy which develops from a developing love. Their duets are powerful, with Ito and Kang working together to dominate the stage, intertwine themselves in romantic encounters and captivate the audience.   

Minju Kang and Riku Ito

One day, US Naval Officers arrive in Japan. Here, the music changes, becoming loud and oh! so American. The dancing officers are equally powerful and strong, delivering an emphatic contrast between the Americans and the Japanese geishas and samurais, and further stark emphasis is achieved from costume design, with white leggings against black leather suits.   

The Mayor of the town, performed by English dancer Matthew Topliss, sends Okichi and Aiko to the Americans as a gift. The two girls are forced to entertain the Americans, but struggle with the changes in culture. Dramatic scenes and music follow as the geishas dance in front of the officers. After some time, Aiko forms a relationship with officer Henry Heusken, performed by English dancer, Joseph Taylor. The two dance together, with music that somehow manages to blend the powerful American notes with soothing Japanese sounds, depicting their strengthening bond. Okichi is not so lucky. Despite doing all she can to please Officer Townsend Harris, performed by Brazilian dancer Daniel de Andrade, he remains uninterested.   

Act 2 begins with Okichi frustrated and ashamed by Harris’ lack of interest.  The consequences of his disinterest are dramatic and shocking, an accidental impact of an East-West collision – and a part of the story I will leave you to discover for yourself.  Skip to Okichi spending her days seeking her old friend Aiko. The sorrowful searching dances and associated sorrowful music sets are some of the most poignant of the performance, as Okichi’s emotions are evident.   

Minju Kang

After some time Okichi finally finds Aiko. Initially, Aiko cannot see Okichi, but all of a sudden, the two girls meet. The girls dance together in a strange and staccato performance.  Aiko is terrified by the meeting, but Henry sees her shock and rescues her. The strength of Taylor is clear as he easily carries Chun off the stage. The performance delivered by Taylor and Chun was for me breathtaking.    

Okichi goes into despair, reflected in the solemn music at this point. She finds her old love, Takeda, and incites him to cause chaos with the Americans, a chaos which results in Aiko refusing even to look at her old friend – and perhaps giving us the most moving scene of the evening.   

A scene which comes a close second takes place at a graveside many years later, where there is a final connection between the two erstwhile friends before a poignant release from the past, allowing a return to the spirit world as one of the characters follows her lantern down the river. 

Ayami Miyata and Minju Kang

 I thoroughly enjoyed this original performance, which offered a perfect balance of dance with orchestration. The story was clear and at times, shocking, making me resolve to find out more about Japanese culture – and in particular the geishas.   

The Northern Ballet Sinfonia‘s musical excellence, performing live, was much appreciated.  Christopher Oram‘s talents were dedicated to the sets and costumes, Alastair West created the lighting effects, Gwyneth Hughes wrote the libretto and Lesley Downer provided historical consultancy.

Geisha is being performed at Leeds Grand Theatre until 21st March and will then move on to Sheffield.  Whether or not you have seen ballet before, I encourage you not to miss this.  

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