Get Ready for Momotaro at PNB!
Peach Costume Sketch by Meleta Buckstaff.
This March, PNB will bring to life the classic Japanese folktale Momotaro.
Momotaro, or The Peach Boy, tells the story of a boy who springs to life from a giant peach, delighting the elderly couple who have longed for a child of their own. When he is older, Momotaro goes on a hero’s quest to find the ogres who have stolen his family and neighbors’ treasure. Along the way he meets a dog, pheasant, and monkey with whom he shares the kibi dango (millet dumplings) his mother made for him. The animals become his friends, ultimately helping him to defeat the ogres and return the stolen treasure to its rightful homes.
Momotaro was first written around the Edo period (1603-1868), but is thought to have been passed down for centuries before then, with many different versions emerging. PNB’s version of Momotaro, adapted by Jessica Lang and Kanji Segawa, brings this captivating tale to the ballet stage with a focus on themes of courage, forgiveness, and the power of family and friends.
This hour-long addition to our family matinee series, danced by PNB School students, is the perfect introduction to ballet for young audiences.
We’ve gathered a host of Momotaro-related media to help you make the most of this exciting world premiere. Keep scrolling for recommendations to read, watch, listen to, and cook!
Join us on March 28 from 11:30 – 3:30 for Momotaro Community Day!
This free, interactive, and family-friendly event will celebrate Japanese and Japanese American art, dance, and culture, with a special focus on the direct experiences of Puget Sound communities. Enjoy performances, an artists’ market, collaborative art and craft stations, and more before and between our Momotaro ticketed performances at 12:30 and 3:30 pm.
Momotaro Community Day is presented by Town & Country Markets, with additional support from ArtsWA.
Green Pheasant costume sketch by Momotaro costume designer Meleta Buckstaff.
Read
Florence Sakade’s compilation, Peach Boy and Other Japanese Folk Tales, provided the basis for PNB’s adaptation of Momotaro.
Another version of Momotaro, from the book Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki, published in 1908. This version translates “oni,” the supernatural and incredibly powerful figures whom Momotaro and his friends fight, to mean “devil” instead of “ogre.”
Watch
There are many animated versions of Momotaro. Here is one in Japanese and English, presented by Japan Society NYC.
For younger kids, PNB series Super Why! has an episode based on the story of Momotaro.
Listen
Listen to the story of Momotaro on the Super Great Kids’ Stories podcast, or click here for the audio of Yei Ozawa’s version.
You can also learn the classic children’s song, Momotaro.
Cook
Want to make your own kibi dango? Here is a recipe to try.
Pro tip: PNB partner Town & Country Markets stocks kinako and millet flour!
Did you know? Dango means “dumpling” and there are many varieties of dango you can make! Here’s a recipe from local blogger Mochi Mommy for the popular spring treat hanami dango.
We’ll be sharing more about Momotaro‘s costumes, music, and Community Day soon. We hope to see you in March!
