KYOTO - MARCH 2024 - #2

So, a freezing day in late March and I’m stumbling around inside the enormous grounds of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto in sub-zero temperatures. Suddenly I noticed a commotion in one of the inner courtyards, and am informed that there will be a free Gagaku performance. This is classical music of the imperial court accompanied by dancers.

Soon enough a figure emerges on a stage to a backdrop of traditional instruments, followed after some ten minutes by a second performer. I snapped away merrily, thinking myself lucky to get such a treat…

Traditional masked Japanese court dancer

Gagaku musicians

Gagaku musicians

The jerky movements of the dancers together with their creepy masks are a little disconcerting…

And finally, a crappy iPhone video to give you a taste of the thing…