A special evening starting with the classical masterpiece Kakitsubata (Water Iris), which is followed by an instrumental performance from the famous Noh play Tsuchi-gumo (Ground Spider).

Then, the stage is taken over by award-winning dance duo Thick & Tight who present a new work merging Noh theatre and Western queer performance.

The evening culminates in the UK premiere of Hengenka, a new work composed by Japanese Nohkan flautist Yukihiro Isso, which celebrates the awe-inspiring power of nature.

In Kakitsubata, a travelling monk is stunned by the beautifully blooming water irises of a place called Yatsuhashi in the Mikawa Province. A young woman appears and explains the association of the place with Ariwara no Narihira (a Japanese courtier and waka poet in the 9th century). Later she confesses that she is the spirit of the water iris. She dances and chants wearing the garment of Narihira.

Tsuchi-gumo (Ground Spider) is the story of the battle between an evil monk who turns into a ground spider, and the general commander Yorimitsu Minamoto with his army.

Thick and Tight are an award-winning dance duo based in the UK who create a mix of dance, mime, theatre and drag, taking influence from a wide range of historical, political, literary and artistic subjects. As part of this event, they explore new visions arising from the Noh and Kyogen tradition (humorous sketches used as interludes during a longer Noh performance).

All Noh performers come together for the UK premiere of Yukihiro Isso’s work Hengenka, which celebrates the awe-inspiring power of nature, with the title invoking the constant energy, transformation and interconnectedness of the natural world. The piece features the kami (spirits) of music and creation, as well as the comical monster Tengu. The Tengu role, originally played by a Kyogen actor when the piece was premiered in 2017, is here choreographed and performed by Thick & Tight in a new interpretation.

You might also like Pre-Concert Talk: Eleanor Perry & Daniel Hay-Gordon at 6pm in St Pancras today.