MAREWREW&OKI at WOMAD Charlton Park 2012

MAREWREW , meaning “butterfly” in Ainu language, is a group of four women working on diffusion and renewal of the ancient “Upopo” songs of the Ainu people. Originally based in Northern Japan (Hokkaido island), Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands, the Ainu of Japan and Russia have, inspite of their minority status, continued to keep their culture (language, art, shamanism) has been facing a complex and dangerous situation.

 

Singing has an important role in Ainu culture, accompanying the religious or social ceremonies and everyday’s life, for the long evenings of the cold winter to children’s lullabies. The most representative songs are called “Upopo”, constructed with many rhythmical patterns sung in canon (“Ukouk”) leading to a natural transe.

With the support of the internationally acclaimed tonkori player OKI, MAREWREW will appera on the  big stage of WOMAD on 29th July.

 

29 July 2012
Workshop : 14 :00-15 :00  All Singing All Dancing Stage
Performance :  18 :30-19 :15 Charlie Gillett Stage

 

http://womad.co.uk/lineup/3/

 

Weekend Ticket - £135