Lounge
May 27, 2015
THEATER | A Spotlight on the Japanese Premiere of 'Babel (words)'
THEATER｜A Masterpiece by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, a Choreographer Celebrated Worldwide!
Focus on the Japanese Premiere of 'BABEL (words)'
A New Art Form Merging Dance, Music, and Visuals—From the creators of 'TeZukA,' a major hit in Japan starring Mirai Moriyama, comes 'BABEL (words),' a highly anticipated work by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Damien Jalet, choreographers who command immense respect in the contemporary dance world and are currently among the most sought-after globally. A special Tokyo engagement will be held for three days starting August 29 (Friday) at Tokyu Theatre Orb.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)Photographs by Koen Broos
Scattered Tongues, the Yearning for Connection, the Joy of Dancing Together
'BABEL (words),' praised by Ryuichi Sakamoto as 'A terrifying talent! Something that truly needs to be seen and experienced by many in Japan right now!' was selected for the Sapporo International Art Festival 2014.
The title 'Babel' originates from the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, where humanity, in its ambition to reach the heavens, incurred God's wrath. To prevent further endeavors, God confounded human language, rendering people unable to understand one another.
Mirroring this linguistic chaos, dancers and musicians from over ten countries have gathered for this production. The result is a delightful, profound, and unprecedented new form of dance, where music and art coalesce to create a novel synthesis of the arts.
Two Geniuses Transform the Tower of Babel into a Tale of Hope
'BABEL (words)' has been performed in over 40 cities worldwide since its premiere in 2010, and this marks its long-awaited Tokyo run.
'BABEL (words),' by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, one of the busiest choreographers in contemporary dance, and Damien Jalet, a profound thinker who delves deeply into the meaning of dance, lending his work depth and nuanced complexity, reimagines the story of the Tower of Babel, which incurred divine anger, into a narrative of hope.
Amidst the vibrant, rhythmic dance and music, familiar and unfamiliar languages intermingle, with Japanese also audible. The striking stage design, featuring a colossal rectangular frame by renowned British sculptor Antony Gormley, is also captivating.
Experience this acclaimed production, winner of the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production and Best Stage Design, and the Prix Benois de la Danse for Best Choreography, at its Tokyo engagement.
Special TV Program Announced: 'Ryuichi Sakamoto's High Praise! 'Babel' of Love and Disconnection' to Air on BS-TBS!
This program will explore the allure of Cherkaoui's works, including the major hit 'TeZukA' starring Mirai Moriyama and the ballroom scene from the film 'Anna Karenina' featuring Keira Knightley and Jude Law, while delving into the captivating essence of 'Babel,' a masterpiece that captivated Ryuichi Sakamoto.
＜'BABEL (words)' Synopsis＞
According to the Old Testament, humanity, in its hubris to build a tower reaching the heavens, incurred God's wrath. As punishment, God scattered human languages, resulting in the world's linguistic diversity. In this masterpiece, the brilliant Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui confronts the arrogance of technological advancement and the challenges of communication through dance. Issues of ethnicity, territory, diverse languages, and national identity are depicted sharply, at times humorously, by multinational dancers and musicians from over ten countries. The stage, designed by sculptor Antony Gormley with five large rectangular frames, is constantly reconfigured by the performers, symbolizing the invisible walls and boundaries that separate self from other—territories, battlegrounds, private rooms, or rings. This is the concluding work of Cherkaoui's trilogy, following 'Foi' and 'Myth.'
Sapporo International Art Festival 2014
Contemporary Dance Performance 'BABEL (words)'
Date | Friday, August 22
Time | Doors Open 18:00 / Performance Starts 19:00
Venue | Sapporo Theatre Hall, Nitori Bunka Hall
'BABEL (words)' Tokyo Performance
August 29 (Fri) Doors Open 18:30 / Performance Starts 19:00
August 30 (Sat) Doors Open 13:30 / Performance Starts 14:00
August 31 (Sun) Doors Open 13:30 / Performance Starts 14:00
Venue | Tokyu Theatre Orb (Shibuya Hikarie 11F)
S Seats ¥9,000, A Seats ¥7,000 (Tax Included) *Preschool children not admitted
Inquiries
Sunrise Promotion Tokyo
0570-00-3337 (10:00–19:00)Organizers | TBS Television / PROMAX
Official Website | http://www.promax.co.jp/babel_words/
Ticket Outlets
Bunkamura Ticket Center | Tel. 03-3477-9999 (10:00–17:30)
Online Ticket My Bunkamura | http://www.bunkamura.co.jp/mybunkamura/
Sunrise Online | http://www.sunrisetokyo.com/
Lawson Ticket |
0570-084-003 (L-Code: 32672)Ticket Pia |
0570-02-9999 (P-Code: 435-368)eplus | http://eplus.jp/
CN Play Guide |
0570-08-9999