A red curtain fluttering beneath the railway tracks. Faces hidden behind white masks. A dark hallway filled with glowing works of art. And then, a call to board a train to another world…
This is Anemoia Tokyo, an immersive theatre production by Japanese contemporary dance company Dazzle. Located near Tokyo station, the show has no seats and no stage. Instead, performers surround the audience, guiding guests into a wordless story told through music, dance and interactive works of art.
Since the performance is entirely non-verbal, anyone can enjoy the show regardless of language. This was part of the reason I decided a ticket would make the perfect birthday gift for my art-loving Japanese partner, knowing we could both enjoy the show together. Here’s what happened when we went behind the curtain.
A Fusion of Art and Entertainment
A cutting-edge fusion of performance, art and technology
The creatives behind Anemoia Tokyo describe the show as a cutting-edge fusion of performance, art and technology. While the concept of immersive theatre emerged from the London theatre scene, Dazzle has reimagined the form through a Japanese cultural lens. The story takes place in an imagined spirit realm, with dancers embodying figures from Japanese myth and folklore.
Dazzle has also partnered with nine artists from Japan and abroad to furnish the performance space with original works. These contemporary pieces subtly interact with the show’s storytelling, creating a unique hybrid of art and performance.
The Journey Begins
My boyfriend and I arrived for the late evening performance of Anemoia Tokyo, not knowing quite what to expect. After storing all of our belongings in a locker outside the venue, staff gave us a series of cryptic instructions.
First, we were not allowed to speak to each other once we were inside. Second, we must cover our faces with wolf masks and wear a sticker with a letter of the alphabet on our chests. Finally, we shouldn’t touch anything. That is, unless it was something given to us by the cast, who might have a task for us to complete.
They also asked that we not reveal any details about the performance’s content, so I won’t say too much about what happened next. What I can say is that the experience was unlike anything I’ve encountered in many years as an art and theatre lover — and a must-see for anyone interested in dance and performance art.
How to Experience the Show
Click here to read more.
External Link
https://savvytokyo.com/
© Savvy Tokyo
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