KIAC

"Okina," a sacred performance originating from Buddhist rituals and considered a precursor to Noh theater, is still exclusively performed by men. Entrusted to actress Yuri Itabashi, this culturally inherited yet forbidden-to-women piece is the basis for an innovative new work by Maxime Kurvers. The creation involves collaboration with translator Akihito Hirano and others.

Maxime Kurvers has consistently presented critically acclaimed works rooted in his interest in the forms and history of theater. Through his research, he has developed a keen interest in the Noh tradition, which was established in Japan in the 15th century. While Noh theater now allows performers of any gender to take the stage professionally, the religious and cultural background of "Okina" maintains a prohibition against women. How can we use our imagination to confront and overcome such cultural restrictions? This performance challenges the notion that anything is impossible.

Following its creation during a residency at the Kinosaki International Arts Center, this work will have its world premiere at the Festival d'Automne in Paris, on October 17-19, 2024 at the Atelier de Paris – CDCN.