All Photo ©︎Naoshi HATORI

The work is inspired by Pokorny’s experience in the ancient forest of Yakushima island in southern Japan and it portrays a fantasy world which centres around themes of environmental awareness, human connection with nature, and survival. Jiří Pokorný investigates the human body and its behaviour in unknown conditions and focuses his attention on vulnerability versus resilience. In these vulnerable moments our behaviours are spontaneous, disarming, and immersed in the present. It examines the dialogue between us and our environment, and how being vulnerable is an essential part of our journey towards survival. The dancers are confronted with moments of simplicity within complexity, seeking for the balance between intellect and instinct. Freedom and responsibility. The essences of life that are always in conflict and in constant dialog with our body and mind.

Jiří Pokorný

Direction/Choreography: Jiří Pokorný
Performance: Jun Aoyagi*, Takuya Sato, Inoru Toda*, Ain Tominaga*, Mano Hatanaka, Nana Horikawa* *DaBYResident Dancer
Music: Davidson Jaconello
Rehearsal Director: Kenta Kojiri
Produced by: Eri Karatsu (Aichi Prefectural Arts Theater/Dance Base Yokohama)
Production Manager: Yoshinori Sekoguchi (Aichi Prefectural Arts Theater)
Stage Director: Takashi Kawachi
Light Design: Masakazu Ito (RYU)
Sound Design: Naoto Oka

Premiere: September 2023 (Aichi Prefectural Arts Theater) *Part of “Triple Bill – Écriture Before Awakening”
Planning and Co-Production: Aichi Prefectural Arts Theater, Dance Base Yokohama
Production: Dance Base Yokohama

◆PERFORMANCE

2023 Performing Arts Selection 2023

・September Aichi Prefectural Arts Theater, Mini Theater（Aichi）Triple Bill – Écriture Before Awakening *Premiere
・September Takasaki City Theatre, Studio Theatre（Gunma）

◆INTERVIEW

Jiří Pokorný & Eri Karatsu Talk New work "Night Shades" portrays the relationship between nature and humans