In the Kabuki tradition of men playing female characters, Mr. Sawamura's gestural dances, full of delicate facial expressions and artful costume manipulation, marvelously capture the wiles of the serpent-demon maiden hoping to enter the temple that figures in the classic play.
The often compelling and impressive presence of Ms. Seyama and Mr. Sawamura stand out as the show's highlight, sometimes in striking contrast to the non-Japanese performers who, when they are asked to perform aspects of traditional Japanese dance, do so without evident conviction.