The Classical Theater Company is pleased to present “Two Tales From Old Japan” in conjunction with Classical’s annual Sakura Festival (Cherry Blossom Festival). Presented in an original adaptation with music and traditional dance, the two folktales include:

Urashima Tarō (“The Fisherman”) tells the story of a fisherman who rescues a turtle and is rewarded by being taken to the Dragon Palace under the sea where he is entertained by a princess. When Urashima returns to his home village after what felt like only a few days, he learns he was gone for 300 years! Similar to the story of Rip Van Winkle, Urashima is a metaphor for someone who feels lost in a world that has changed in their absence.

Momotarō (“Peach Boy”) is a popular hero of Japanese folklore who came to Earth inside a giant peach that was found floating down a river by an old, childless woman who was washing clothes there. When the woman and her husband tried to open the peach to eat it, they discovered the child who explained that he had been sent by Heaven to be their son. Years later, Momotarō leaves his parents to fight a band of marauding Oni (demons) on a distant island and on the way befriends a talking dog, monkey, and pheasant who agree to help him in his quest.