In Japanese culture the moon is revered, the object of formal ‘moon-viewing parties’, Tsukimi, and a symbol of Enlightenment in Zen Bhuddism. In Noh theatre, the moon serves to project subtle human sentiments, changing phases of time and space, and the inspiration for creative expression.

Renowned artist Cerith Wyn Evans creates a dream-like setting with a lunar focus for a free-wheeling improvisation by phenomenal Nokhan flautist Yukihiro Isso.

Cerith Wyn Evans‘ conceptual practice explores the way that ideas can be communicated through form, incorporating a diverse range of media including installation, sculpture, photography, film and text. He began his career as a filmmaker producing short, experimental films and collaborative works, but since the 1990s has created artworks that deal with language and perception, focusing with precise clarity on their manifestation in space. Evans employs strategies of exhibition making that are often site-specific, viewing exhibitions as a catalyst to produce a reservoir of possible meanings and discursive experiences.

Yukihiro Isso was born into the renowned Isso family which has specialised in playing the Nohkan flute for over 500 years. One of his first experiments, which greatly excited him, occurred as a schoolboy when he worked out a technique to play Vivaldi. The experiments continued and he subsequently played a more complicated Bach flute sonata which demands much acrobatic finger-crossing on the Nohkan flute. These experiments shaped Yukihiro’s incomparable virtuosity as a Nohkan flautist today.

Although Noh music is played using traditional fixed patterns, Yukihiro is adept at free improvisation and has performed with well-known artists such as Cecil Tailor (Jazz piano), and Evan Parker (sax). Asked what is most exciting about improvisation, Yukihiro replied: “It is all natural, it comes from inside from my body and the energy gushes out; I get into a ‘trans’ state, but I am not losing myself completely, as there is another me looking at my performance from a different place.”

Harking back to the early days of cinema and projected light, the Condition of Illusion is made manifest, and the concept of ‘Ma’ evoked, being the Japanese concept of ‘emptiness’. Into this space, or absence, Isso will breathe his iridescent stream of musical virtuosity.

Please note that the performance time will be approx. 30 minutes.

Noh Reimagined 2022 is supported by:

Agency for Cultural Affairs, government of Japan through the Japan Arts Council, Arts Council Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture), Arts Council England, The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, The Asahi Shimbun Foundation