CulturalFest Countdown: Meet Sorando
The group will present the traditional fisherman dance of Sōranbushi from Japan in an energetic and powerful performance.
Only three weeks to go until the CulturalFest Performance Showcase, featuring eleven performing artists who will share cultures from around the world on the Meany Hall stage. Read on to learn more about one of this year’s CulturalFest performers, Sorando!
How did your group begin? Tell us a little bit of your story.
When I saw the poster of Cultural Fest 2016 in November 2015, something suddenly came into my mind. Since I am an exchanging student and I can stay here only for one year, I thought that I could do something as Japanese and also that Cultural Fest would be a great opportunity to share Japanese culture. I started inviting Japanese friends and international friends who are interested in Japanese culture as well. Now our Sorando members unite each other and practice hard for the Cultural Fest 2016.
What do you hope the audience will take away from your performance?
First, we would like the audience to get to know a little about Japan. Soranbushi is a Japanese traditional dance and this is a fisherman song. Fishing is very important for Japan. Fishing is really crucial for industry, culture, economics and even as fun leisure. Historically, we have continued fishing for thousand of years and we cannot separate our lives from fishing. I hope the audience will feel the importance of fishing in Japan by watching fishing movements of dance and fisherman passion in the song. Also, this song were sung among fishermen.
Because fishing is hard work and cannot be done by yourself, people sing this song to unite, cooperate each other by singing this powerful song. Since this performance itself is so powerful, I hope that people would get energy from it.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about your performance?
I would like people to know that each dance movements show the motions of fishing so I hope the audience get them. Please enjoy!!
CulturalFest Ticket Information:
General admission tickets are on sale now for $15 online. Discounted student tickets will be available for $10 in advance at the FIUTS office (HUB 206) or at Wednesday Lunch. Tickets will also be available at the door for $15.
Click here to buy your tickets today! And don't forget that CulturalFest is much more than just the Performance Showcase. Join us for free cultural activities and more at the International Expo on Thursday, February 12, and support FIUTS programs at the Reception and Silent Auction before the performances.