From a white heron to a coquettish girl, to a woman seducing her lover and hellish betrayal, Heron Maiden is one of the most challenging pure dance roles in Kabuki Theatre. With 15 musicians on stage, and dramatic instant costume changes amid swirling snow, the popular Heron Maiden is only performed by a star Onnagata (male actors specializing in female roles). From his first bird-like steps to his expressive fingers, this is Tamasaburo’s signature piece.

Bando Tamasaburo