12N12:Kissed By The Muse

In the world of Sendon, the name 'Kokoroe' is often whispered with reverence, acknowledging the art form's power to touch the hearts and souls of its audience. Kokoroe is an ancient, revered art form in Sendon, characterized by dramatic storytelling, elaborate costumes, and stylized movements. In Sendonian culture, the traditional male-dominated Kokoroe troupes have a long history of men playing both male and female roles. This practice is deeply rooted in the art form's history and is seen as a way to showcase the performer's skill and versatility.

In the world of Kokoroe, various performance types cater to different tastes and preferences. The Tsukikage performances focus on dark, supernatural tales and heavy atmospheres, exploring themes of mortality and the human condition. In contrast, Taiyokuki performances are comedic and lighthearted, featuring humorous characters and witty dialogue. For those interested in political intrigue, Seijikage performances offer complex characters and thought-provoking commentary on power and corruption. Romantic tales are presented in Sakurakage performances, which feature beautiful language and poignant emotions. Yūjokage performances, known for their sensual and erotic content, often push boundaries and challenge social norms. Lastly, Kaze no Kage performances deliver action-packed tales of adventure and bravery, showcasing dynamic fight choreography and epic storytelling.

The instruments that accompany Kokoroe performances are an integral part of the art form's magic. The Shinsei, a traditional Sendonian instrument with three strings and a distinctive resonator box, provides a haunting melody that underscores the emotional depth of the performance. The Kokoro, a set of handheld percussion instruments, including drums, cymbals, and chimes, adds dynamic rhythms and emphasizes key moments in the story. The Kyōsui, a traditional Sendonian stringed instrument with 13 or 17 strings, features resonance crystals that amplify and enhance the sound, creating a rich, ethereal quality that transports the audience to another world. A traditional Kokoroe performance is structured into four distinct acts, each with its own unique characteristics and emotional resonance.

The performance begins with the Jo, a slow and deliberate introduction that sets the tone for the story to come. The Ha act follows, building tension and energy as the story unfolds. The Kyū act is the climax of the performance, a moment of intense drama and emotional release. Finally, the Ketsueki act brings the performance to a close, providing a sense of resolution and catharsis for the audience. Kokoroe performances often employ a range of tropes to convey emotions, tell stories, and create a sense of drama and tension. These tropes include the use of dramatic entrances and exits, known as "iri" and "akari"; the incorporation of stylized movements and gestures, such as the "kata" poses; and the strategic use of pauses and silences, known as "ma", to create a sense of anticipation and expectation. Additionally, Kokoroe performers often employ various vocal techniques, including chanting, singing, and dramatic vocal inflections, to convey emotions and bring the story to life.

In the world of Kokoroe, Troupes are groups of performers who come together to create and perform Kokoroe productions.These Troupes are often formed around a shared artistic vision, and may be led by a charismatic leader or a respected sensei. There are several types of Troupes, including Ichizoku, or Family Troupes, which are typically made up of relatives and close family friends; Shūdan, or Ensemble Troupes, which are formed around a specific theme or style; and Gekidan, or Theater Troupes, which are dedicated to performing Kokoroe productions in a more formal, theatrical setting. Within a Troupe, performers may take on various roles, including the Tayū, or lead performer, who often plays the main character and serves as the emotional center of the performance.

The Waki, or supporting performer, plays secondary roles and provides contrast to the Tayū. The Koken, or stage manager, oversees the technical aspects of the performance and ensures a smooth execution. Troupes often develop their own unique culture and traditions, which may include rituals and ceremonies to mark important events, mentorship and apprenticeships to pass on knowledge and skills, and collaborations and competitions with other Troupes to drive innovation and artistic excellence.

Male performers who aspire to play female roles undergo rigorous training to master the intricacies of feminine movement, gesture, and expression. This training includes the study of traditional feminine arts, such as flower arrangement, tea ceremony, and poetry. The tradition of men playing female roles in Kokoroe is deeply respected and revered in Sendonian culture. It is seen as a way to transcend the boundaries of gender and to explore the complexities of the human experience. Men who achieve mastery of these roles are given special titles within the community. Ayame and Yujo are two such titles. Ayame is a title bestowed upon male performers who specialize in playing noble or aristocratic women. Ayame performers are known for their elegance and poise, and their ability to convey the subtle nuances of female emotion. Yujo, on the other hand, is a title given to male performers who specialize in the more sensual or alluring female presence. Yujo performers are skilled in the art of seduction and can convey a sense of mystery and allure.

The world of Kokore is one of breathtaking beauty, poignant emotion and profound connection. As the performers take their final bows, the audience is left to process the complex emotions and thoughts that have been stirred, In the silence that follows, the true power of Kokore is revealed-a testament to the transformative impact of art of the human experience.