Revolutionizing Japanese Dance: The Tale of the Heike

Installation Design by Kazunobu Nakamura and Egiku Hanayagi

The Tale of the Heike, a story passed down through generations in Japan, serves as the inspiration for this unique installation design. The designers, Kazunobu Nakamura and Egiku Hanayagi, have created a time tunnel on stage using fragments of words from the ancient tale. These fragments, transformed into light crystals, soar up into the air, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

Unlike traditional Japanese dance that utilizes a two-dimensional stage, this design takes advantage of the entire stage space, creating a three-dimensional environment. A myriad of objects float in the air, surrounding the performer and revealing the light being irradiated on the space. These objects create a gradation in response to the performer's movements, expressing the flow of time.

The design is realized using thin wooden squared sticks and black thread, creating a stage that measures 12m in width, 10.8m in depth, and 7.2m in height. The installation design was brought to life with the help of a dedicated team, including environment designer Kazunobu Nakamura, producer and dancer Egiku Hanayagi, lighting designer Takashi Kitakizaki, and the production team Tashibu to Fukushima.

The design aims to produce a new interpretation of Japanese Dance, breaking away from the traditional arts' succession. By utilizing digital technology for the stage space design, the team was able to draw out new charm in Japanese dance. The design technique involves arranging a point group, like a petal dancing in the air, freely floating. The space where light and darkness are produced strikingly develops the atmosphere of Japanese Dance in response to the dancer.

"Hand down the Tale of the Heike" was performed at Sibuya Densyo Hall in June 2017 in Tokyo and is set to be replayed in France in 2018. The design was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018, a testament to its remarkable design and innovation.