Japan’s Noh theatre tradition
When: 29th – 30th June 2018
Where: Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG
£: Tickets prices vary, depending on the event
What is it?
Noh Reimagined 2018: Sublime Illusions is a two-day festival exploring the surreal artistic elements of Noh, Japan’s 650 year old theatrical tradition. The festival will take place at Kings Place in London on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th June.
The two-day festival will explore the art of Noh, the iconic theatrical tradition that originated in fourteenth-century Japan. The festival will shed light on the unique dramaturgy of Mugen Noh, in which the main actor appears as a ghost in the dream of a travelling monk. The ghost tells the tragic story of its past life, expressing deep regret and lamentations, hoping to find peace.
Top performers from Japan will work with innovative British artists and neuroscientists, in collaborations to examine the surreal artistic elements of Noh. The festival will enable visitors to explore time, space and symbolism in Noh theatre through performances, workshops and talks.
Traditional Noh costume
Noh Reimagined 2018 will aim to connect the sublime illusions and transformative power of Noh’s 650 year old tradition, with the creative energy of contemporary arts and culture, posing new questions about who we are.
Events will include The Sublime Illusion of Mugen Noh, where six leading Noh performers from Japan will present highlights from Izutsu (The Well Cradle), along with some of the finest instrumental and dance sections from Noh’s classical repertoire. The Transformative Power of Noh will celebrate the ability of Noh to create otherworldly figures that transcend time and space, by inviting cutting-edge British artists to perform new works that push artistic boundaries.
As the finale of the festival, the popular Shishi (lion dance) from the celebrated classical Noh play Shakkyo (Stone Bridge), will be performed. The Shishi sees the lion, a messenger of Manjusri Bodhisattva, appear on a stone bridge and dance with gorgeous, fragrant peony flowers.
More info: www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/noh-reimagined
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