Opening with a classical dance piece, Noh theatre merges with Western queer performance in a new work by the award-winning dance duo Thick & Tight, who explore new visions arising from ancient traditions.

The evening culminates in the UK premiere of Hengenka composed by Yukihiro joined by all Noh performers, 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.