This is a new musical written, composed
and directed by Takeshi Kobayashi, he has written a story based on
actual happenings on Okinawa island from the end of World War II
culminating in a riot in Koza City 1970. A soldier Takeji Kinjyo
(played by Wataru Yokojima) is saved by Eilo (Taka Uneohira), she
hides him in her family tomb. They fall in love and marry after
the war, as their two daughters grow they fall in love with
American soldiers based on Okinawa. Family members warn them of
disaster which come in time.
At the height of the riot in 1970 more
than 60 parked American cars were overturned and burned leaving
many people dead. Takeji says to his daughters who have lost their
loves "The flames look just like flowers blooming all over
the city! Let's use our hands to change those flames in to real
flowers" hence Street of Flame and Flowers.
Performed in Japanese this is another gem
of the Festival and an opportunity to experience other cultures.
It has translations in English between each scene to enable you to
follow the action.
I enjoyed the show although felt it was a
little too long without an interval.
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