Noh Reimagined 2018

Sublime Illusions

Following the highly successful 2016 edition, Noh Reimagined is returning to Kings Place with an exciting new theme and line-up. The two-day festival explores the art of Noh, the iconic theatrical tradition that originated in fourteenth-century Japan. This edition will shed light on the unique dramaturgy of Mugen (‘phantasmal’) Noh, in which the main actor (shite) appears as a ghost in the dream of a travelling monk performed by the supporting actor (waki). The ghost then tells the tragic story of its past life, expressing deep regret and lamentations, hoping to find peace.

Top Noh performers from Japan will work with innovative British artists and neuroscientists in genre-defying collaborations to examine the surreal artistic elements of Noh. Join us to explore time, space and symbolism in Noh theatre through interdisciplinary performances, workshops and talks.

Noh Reimagined 2018 will 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

The Transformative Power of Noh

SAT 30 JUN 2018 7.30–9.30pm

Performances include the ‘lion dance’ from the celebrated classical Noh piece Shakkyo, premieres of Noh-inspired works by Wiebke Leister with David Toop and Clod Ensemble, and a new piece by Yukihiro Isso that is influenced by neuroscience.

Clod Ensemble: The Creative Journey – Pre-Show Talk

Artistic directors Suzy Willson and Paul Clark discuss the creative process behind their new piece, including a recent research trip to Japan. Snow, which is inspired by the restless spirits of Noh theatre, will be premiered in the evening.

Talk and Presentation – Noh + Neuroscience: Glimpsing the Invisible

SAT 30 JUN 2018 4–5.30pm

A Noh demonstration with special stage lighting designed by Professor Zeki, drawing on his knowledge of colour vision. Professor Iriki talks about how Noh actors learn to judge their performances objectively in reference to neuroscience.

Noh Mask, Noh Movement: Illusory Devices – Seminar

SAT 30 JUN 2–3.30pm

Two professors from the Noh Theatre Research Institute, Hosei University unveil the secrets of Noh movement through narrative and scientific analyses and discuss how Noh masks represent the spirits of invisible ghosts, deities and demons.

Noh Movement Workshop: Acting from Inside

SAT 30 JUN 2018 12–1.10pm

Come and learn the movement patterns of Noh, including how to focus your centre of gravity and energy. Participants will turn these basic movements into a series of fluid motions that enable subtle emotional expression.

Phenotypica – Installation

FRI 29 JUN - SAT 30 JUN 2018

An installation at the intersection between art, science and technology will be exhibited by Phenotypica, an initiative created by multi-award winning artist Neus Torres Tamarit and computer scientist Ben Murray.

Fri 29 Jun 2018 – 9.45pm

An evening of mind-bending musical exploration with pianist Leon Michener, nohkan flautist Yukihiro Isso and Noh percussionists. using the space between the piano and the auditorium as a counterpoint to traditional Noh music.

FRI 29 JUN 2018 7.30–9.30pm

Six leading Noh performers present highlights from a masterpiece of Mugen Noh, ‘Izutsu’ (‘The Well Cradle’), along with some of the finest instrumental and dance sections from the classical Noh repertoire.

FRI 29 JUN 2018 6–7pm

Two leading neuroscientists, Professor Zeki and Professor Iriki, discuss the connections between the brain and Noh, followed by an introduction to Mugen Noh by Prof Yamanaka, the director of the Noh Theatre Research Institute, Hosei University.