Professor Sakamoto on 'Babel BABEL (words)'

Below is a message from Ryuichi Sakamoto.

“While art is central, there is, of course, a performance aspect as well. As I mentioned in a previous program, I was truly deeply impressed by this work, 'Babel BABEL (words),' by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, a Belgian artist. This is its Japanese premiere. It’s named after the Tower of Babel, of course, which is where languages diverged, making communication between people difficult… and the piece is based on that concept. I believe Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, who is now in his 40s, is one of the top artists of the generation following the late Pina Bausch; he is truly talented and has a bright future ahead of him.

And here, joining 'Babel BABEL (words)' as a performer from its inception, is Shogo Yoshii, from the taiko drumming group Kodo, based in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, who is now active internationally. He will be coming to Japan for this performance, and I have received a message from him.”

Below is the message sent from Shogo Yoshii to Mr. Sakamoto.

“Hello, Mr. Sakamoto. This is Shogo Yoshii, a Japanese musician participating in 'Babel BABEL (words).' I was responsible for Japanese music, including taiko drums, flute, kokyu, and vocals. Other musicians include early music performers from Italy, Indian musicians who play harmonium and sing, and another tabla player. The Italian early music performers are very theory-driven. In contrast, Indian musicians use what they call 'kuchishoga,' where they translate all music into words. They can write about 345 phonetic sounds into words, and create music from that. Therefore, creating music was an extremely difficult task, given the fundamental differences between the Italian and Indian musical approaches.

I have also performed taiko using Western musical notation, so I felt I was acting as a mediator, doing diplomatic work, to bridge the gap. People often say, 'Music transcends borders,' and I believe borders can indeed be crossed at a simple jam session level. However, creating a single piece of music together is not something that can be easily achieved, and I learned a great deal from that experience. In a sense, it's absurd, but in this performance, it’s as if we built the Tower of Babel, where language became fragmented and scattered. Then, we worked from scratch to reconnect it all, which is how it felt.

I felt this was more than just a stage; it was a project in itself, and I have long wanted to share it with everyone in Japan, as I have for the past four years. I am grateful that this is now being realized, and I am a bit nervous. I had a dream last night where the curtain was rising, even though my practice wasn't quite finished. I will put all my energy into it to ensure my practice is complete, and I look forward to returning to the stage after four years. I would be delighted if you could come and see it again.”

Approaching the Japanese Premiere

This performance centers on the themes of 'boundaries and language.' It expresses conflict and connection within the stage. Rather than finding it difficult, I hope you will surrender to the dazzlingly changing stage and enjoy it with a sense of freedom. We, too, wish to enjoy it alongside the audience. (Choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui)

This work is layered with various elements. The performance, featuring international dancers from over ten countries, is filled with a multitude of languages, and the stage constantly transforms. I want people to feel the physical energy within that expression and, above all, to open their hearts and enjoy it. (Damien Jalet)

Sapporo International Art Festival 2014
Contemporary Dance Performance 'Babel BABEL (words)'
Date | Friday, August 22
Time | Doors Open 18:00 / Performance Starts 19:00
Venue | Sapporo Theater Hall, Nitori Bunka Hall

'Babel BABEL (words)' Tokyo Performances
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) *Children under school age not permitted. 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 Playguide |0570-08-9999