Performing arts

LIFE ENTANGLED
The collaborative project between Yasuhiro Morinaga and Robert Millis proposes a world in which thought and representation are not the exclusive privilege of humans, but also grants prominence to ecosystems and non-human entities. By highlighting the intricate and often invisible connections between humans and the non-human world, this work invites a broader and more inclusive perspective on life, agency, and interdependence, exploring the fundamental question of all life: what does it mean to live? At a time when climate change and natural disasters are driving the world into an unprecedented crisis, we are confronted with the limits of an attitude that views nature and ecosystems as mere exploitable resources. Life Entangled — The Secret Story of Shellac is a performative sound installation that explores the cultural relationship between objects and humans through a multidimensional narrative centered on shellac , a natural resin derived from the insect Kerria lacca , a material deeply rooted in our daily lives.

Installation

The Voice of Inconstant Savage
Commissioned for the Engawa – Japanese Contemporary Art Season programme organized by Calouste Gulbenkian Museum's Modern Art Center, The Voice of Inconstant Savage is an immersive installation that superimposes a prayer inspired by the story of a 16th-century Portuguese missionary, a chant from a Kakure-Kirishitan (hidden Christians) prayer – a religion rooted in Nagasaki Prefecture –, a chant from the Karawara spirits of the Awá indigenous people – who live in the Amazon rainforest – and a chorus of Western Gregorian chant. Morinaga questions the position of the aesthetics of inconstancy in relation to the discourse of the “savage” that modern society confronts.

Performing arts

COROLI
A performative installation that evokes memory Based on the theme of "recording" the "memory" that has been the basis of previous creations, this is an attempt to approach the sense of "flavor" that appears when you visit a certain place. Using the "places" observed and collected by each artist in the theatre, we will try to reconstruct the places that did not coexist, using the sensations and imaginations brought from the space as clues. By inviting the audience to the place of creation, we will guide the existence of a "performative installation" where humans and the environment come and go while further integrating and dismantling.

Field recordings

Yasuhiro Morinaga presents Field Recording Series Slamet Gundono [Surakarta, Indonesia]
Slamet Gundono [Surakarta, Indonesia]
The second edition of “Field Recording Series” by Yasuhiro Moringa has released. This edition features Jawa’s charismatic performer, Slamet Gundono. Slamet Gundono is a charismatic performer, musician, puppet shadow master. With his particular ironic sense of humor through the appreciation of traditional Indonesian culture, the unique style of his music and narration have been appreciated by local Indonesians. By his considerable influences, He received a prestigious award, Prince Clause Award in 2005. Sound designer & Music director, Yasuhiro Morinaga met with Slamet Gundono during the production of contemporary dance performance (choreography by Akiko Kitamura) in 2011. Throughout the number of discussions and communications, both Morinaga and Slamet agreed to work collaboratively in producing new recording album. With two microphones, Morinaga captured Slamet’s dynamic voice and instruments and other Indonesian local instruments such as gender or kendang etc. Because of his improvisational music style, the recording has never been replaced or re-recorded. And Morinaga decided not to edit anything during the process of post production process (certain bypass filtering and equalization during the mastering process) to enhance the real sonic environment around him and his musicians.