ENIGMA
A certain deity used a stone to take down a giant catfish that was going on a rampage underground and causing major earthquakes. This tradition still exists in many parts of Japan.
On the other hand, there are many paintings of catfish, the same catfish that caused the earthquake, helping with post-disaster restoration or distributing money.
It’s as if the whole thing is a script. From causing the disaster to conquering it like a hero.
What does it mean to “govern” a thing, a person,
or a country?
The appearance of a savior or a nemesis. It attracts people’s attention, dissipates their anxiety, and induces oblivion.
But what if even these were planted by others
as a distraction?
When the catfish with a script offer us something,
I can’t help but feel that I have something to lose instead.
It is said that when a supernatural crisis is near, when war is on the horizon, when the world is in turmoil, there is always something that will come. It is the most terrifying thing in this world.
Let me share a riddle.
Enigma Enigma
Four in the morning,
two in the afternoon and three at night
What is it what is it, what is it what is it
When humans try to become gods in Japanese ancient stories, they always appear to be either furious or cursing.
Humans have never been allowed to be a happy as a god.
But there is only one way for a person to become a god or a legend.
It is hidden in the intersection between the
cul-de-sac of evolution and the end of populism.
Apparently, in this fleeting life, only those who find a way out can go towards the paradise.
The catfish that governs. We who are governed.
Even with a hint of irony, this country can no longer be called a utopia.
So, get ready for the festivities, get ready to solve the mystery. Welcome to Japanese Dystopia!
Direction / Choreography: Roma Hashimoto
Music / Poetry and Prose: Yae Yamamichi
Performance: Megumi Abe, Lemi Murai, Marin Yamada, Taro Yamamichi (Jyoruri), Yoko Mochizuki (Hayashi), Rokon Tosha (Hayashi), Rina Hasegawa (Hayashi), Yuka Mukaeda (Bamboo flute), Yae Yamamichi (Futozao shamisen)
Photography: Yulia Skogoreva
Costume Support: Yuka Satomi
Producer: Eri Karatsu (Aichi Prefectural Art Theater / Dance Base Yokohama)
Production Manager: Yoshinori Sekoguchi (Aichi Prefectural Art Theater)
Lighting Coordinator: Masakazu Ito (RYU)
Sound Design: Norimasa Ushikawa
Administrator: Miyako Miyata (Dance Base Yokohama)
Premiere: December 2021 (KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theatre) *As part of “DaBY Performing Arts Selection”
Planned, Produced, and Organized by Dance Base Yokohama
Supported by Kuma Foundation
◆PERFORMANCE
2021 DaBY Performing Arts Selection ／December KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theatre, Large studio（Kanagawa）
◆REVIEW
Mitsutane Ota （DaBY Performing Arts Selection 2021）
