Yama is an exciting project. One that has me delving into childhood memories of the fairytales I grew up with. Memories of flicking through my beautifully illustrated book of classics including Grimm and Anderson. A book that was about as large as I was at the time.
My first memory of seeing such a tale on stage was when I was taken to see Peter Pan which (although not strictly a fairytale) fascinated me and left me with a sense of awe and magic.
Since growing up I’ve realised that the book I loved so much and the play I saw were all very coddling and nice.
The fairytales, especially the Grimms’ were castrated. Their visceral parts removed their linings coated with sugar.
And Peter Pan was “Disneyfied”, which in my mind is a disastrous thing to happen to a story.
This is why I love Japanese folklore so much. These tales are raw, often with elements of the horrific, but never cocooned in sugar.
They leave me with a sense of wonder and puzzlement. And sometimes leave me wanting. There is something mystical yet very real about them. And they don’t always have such a clear message. But are thoroughly entertaining with a sense of self-deprecating fun at times.
I’m thrilled to be allowed to explore these tales in a bilingual setting. To delve into a variety of unique characters that weave their ways through the world of Yama.