(03/17/2001)Please check the REPORT of the first performance of WINGS OF LOVE - a Christian Noh Drama, by Dr. Yuko Yuasa

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INTRODUCTION
On the publication of WINGS OF LOVE and its author

by TAKENAKA Masao
Professor emeritus, Doshisha University and Professor, Seiwa College.

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On the 170th anniversary of Ryokan's passing an international symposium on Ryokan is held in Niigata, his birthplace. This is the occasion of the first performance of a Noh drama, "WINGS OF LOVE, a Story of Ryokan, and St. Francis of Assisi, told by Teishinni and St.Chiara," created by Dr. YUASA Yuko.
As an aftermath of the economic crisis, dark clouds covered the country and people were disheartened. In this atmosphere the publication of my book "Ryokan and Christ" was celebrated in Niigata, supported by Mr. YAGIMOTO Yuji, the director of Kokodo Publishing Company. I suggested that it would be high time to send out a bright message from Japan, saying "What about to hold an international symposium on Ryokan, as a powerful and positive message from Niigata?" The response resulted in the effort of Zenkoku Ryokan Kai (the National Ryokan Society) and the cooperation of Niigata City, with the fruit of "Ryokan Festival" commemorating the 170th anniversary of his passing.
On the first day of the festival, "WINGS OF LOVE, a Story of Ryokan and St. Francis of Assisi" was performed. Without exaggeration it was an epoch-making event and a historical endeavor.
An important element for the realization of this event was the beautiful and correct Noh stage in the Niigata-City Performing Arts Center, already completed under the leadership of Mr. HASEGAWA Yoshiaki, the Mayor of Niigata, a keen promotor of art and culture.
The author of "WINGS OF LOVE," YUASA Yuko, a graduate of the International Christian University, continued her biblical studies and theology at Edinburgh University. Completing the mother's tasks of child-rearing, she was enrolled in Doshisha University Graduate School of Theology, specializing in Christianity and Culture. She received her Master's degree with honor by her thesis on Christianity and Noh drama. Her further pursuit in the subject with feminist perspective in U.S. A. resulted in her doctorate degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary, CA.
What we must not forget is her family background. Her husband Dr. YUASA Yo was my classmate in Greek at the theological department of Doshisha University. Educated at the International Christian University and Amherst College, he received his medical training at the Edinburgh University where he was awarded his medical degree. Now he is working as a doctor in the international field and on the advisory committee of the World Health Organization. His overseas works in various countries offer Yuko chances to see the world. This must be a source of inspiration for her cross-cultural creation. Yo's father. Dr. YUASA Hachiro served as a president of Doshisha, and the first president of the International Christian University. An entomologist and educator, he also appreciated and promoted the cause of Mingei, the folk art. This atmosphere must have been a source of stimuli for her works.
Now the biblical studies on one hand, and the research in the history and texts of Noh drama on another. Dr. YUASA Yuko started creating new Noh dramas and staging their performance. The first phase was a small work based on Jo Neesima poem titled "Truth blossoms as Plum blossoms," which was performed by young artists. In 1995 Kansai Seminar House' Noh stage saw her "Magdalene Dances in Crimson," a Noh drama about the first human encounter with resurrected Jesus in a garden. "Consider the Lilies of the Field" was the next resonance between the sermon on the mount and a Haiku by Basho, staged in the following year. Then the second phase came with the production of Hannya Miriam." Miriam is the sister of Moses, the leader of the Exodus. Her agony and joy are the theme of this drama, which serves as the fountainhead of works with biblical themes. "Hannya Miriam" was performed at the celebration of the restoration of "Hokyoden," a historically important Noh stage at the Kansai Seminar House, which was used in commemoration of Hideyoshi's 300th anniversary. On this occasion Mr. KANZE Hideo lectured on "Cross-cultural exchange and Noh drama." He gave a blessing, with his dance of auspicious "Takasago" on the newly restored Noh stage.
Even more, he led the chorus of "Hannya Miriam," and encouraged all. It was an unforgettable episode dear to our heart.
The author's activities have encompassed the world from Bali to Zimbabwe, Korea, USA, Switzerland, Germany and Britain through her network of ecumenical studies and feminist theology. She has introduced her theological method in various workshops and lectures, and has staged her works based on a resonance between the Noh drama and the Biblical message, inspiring people of many lands, with biblical and non-biblical cultures.
Recently at the annual Maple Festival of the Kansai Seminar House she continuously creates and stages her works such as "Magnificat, Love Song between the Heaven and the Earth (1998)" and "Let There Be Light! (1999)." With the cooperation of the talented player Nobushige and his troupe, the KAWAMURA Noh Stage Company, a holder of precious tradition and caliber led by KAWAMURA Teiji, a national treasure, the performances are well received by the general public.