VietNamNet Bridge – Yuzuru (Twilight Crane), a famous Japanese opera adapted from its folk story will be staged at Hanoi Opera House on March 29-30, announced Norio Hattori, Japan’s former Ambassador to Vietnam on January 15.

The opera, jointly held by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Japanese Embassy and the Japan Foundation, to mark the 40th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.

Vietnamese Minister-Counselor Nguyen Phuong Hong praised the efforts of the former Japanese Ambassador, the artists and related agencies to bring the opera to Vietnamese audience.

The opera will involved two famous Japanese artists, namely soprano Ieda Noriko (acting as Tsu, a crane in human form to become the wife of Yohyo, who save her life) and tenor Mochiki Hiroshi (acting as Yohyo, a poor farmer who dreams of becoming rich).

The opera will be under the instruction of Vietnamese People’s Artist director Le Hung in cooperation with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Japanese conductor Honna Tetsuji, a choir from Hanoi Children’s Palace and dancers from the Youth Theater.

Premiered in 1951, Yuzuku is a Japanese opera in one act composed by Ikuma Dan after the play of the same name by Junji Kinoshita in 1949.

The story takes place in an isolated mountain village in ancient Japan.

The simple-minded peasant Yohyo saved the life of a wounded crane by pulling an arrow from its body.

Unbeknownst to Yohyo, the crane appears in human form to become his wife Tsu.

Wishing to make life easier for Yohyo, she secretly weaves a gorgeous cloth from her own feathers.

The villagers Sodo and Unzu learn of the valuable cloth and impress upon Yohyo that much merriment and wealth awaits them in the city if his wife were to weave more cloth for which they would be handsomely paid.

Deceived by the words of his evil friends and lured by the promise of riches and pleasures, Yohyo urges the reluctant Tsu to weave more of the valuable fabric.

Tsu sadly wonders why man is never satisfied with love, always longing for riches. In response to her beloved husband's insistent demands, she resolves to weave another cloth knowing any further sacrifice could be fatal.

Overwhelmed and despondent at the thought of her tragic circumstances, Tsu falls unconscious in the snow. Yohyo carries her gently to the fireside to revive her. He does not understand her spiritual suffering. Tsu asks if he still yearns for riches, but Yohyo has become a prisoner of greed and insists that she continue weaving the cloth. Broken-hearted, Tsu enters the back room to finish her work.

Tsu returns hovering near death. She hands the magnificent cloth to her husband. Leaving her passionate heart behind, Tsu transforms back into a crane and flaps her way into the snowy twilit night on her final journey. Yohyo realizes that he has lost the priceless affection of his devoted wife. Clutching the precious cloth in his hands, he watches her disappear from sight.

Source: VOV