JCC E-Magazine November 2016

Group photo of director Amon Miyamoto and the performers

Ancient Japanese Art of Noh performance met modern 3D technology for the first time ever at the world premiere of YUGEN: The Hidden Beauty of Japan on the evening of 28th and 29th October as part of Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) River Nights 2016. Organised by the Japan Foundation and supported by Japan Creative Centre (JCC) in conjunction with SJ50, this bold fusion of the age-old Japanese theatre form and 21st century 3D scenography in Japan’s latest art development was created by renowned director Amon Miyamoto and scenographer Shutaro Oku.

H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Mrs Yuko Shinoda attended a post-show reception together with Guest-of-Honour Ms. Yeoh Chee Yan, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and other guests ranging from public sectors, arts field and cultural industry.

Held at the outdoor area of ACM under the beautiful night sky of Singapore despite the heavy downpour in the afternoon, the performance saw an overwhelming response with full house of audiences for both days.

With special 3D glasses mounted on an Omote Noh mask and the stage set against a rich visual tapestry, audiences had the lifetime experience of stepping into the mysterious world of YUGEN and savoured glimpses of profound beauty of nature with Noh actors performing the extraordinary lions’ dance Shakkyo and the celestial maiden’s dance Hagoromo, which the scene took place along the coastline where one can see Mount Fuji.

H.E. Ambassdor Kenji Shinoda and Mrs Yuko Shinoda with Ms. Yeoh Chee Yan, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY)

Audiences watching the performance with special 3D glasses mounted on an Omote Noh mask

These two performance came together to represent Merlion and Mount Fuji which signified the friendship between our both countries especially in this year’s SJ50.

A Noh Theatre Workshop was also conducted on the afternoon of 29th October at ACM, in conjunction with YUGEN: The Hidden Beauty of Japan, where Professor Keiichiro Tsuchiya from Meiji University gave an introductory insight into the origins and aesthetics of Noh Theatre, while distinguished performers from the Kanze School of Noh taught about the vocal techniques of Noh Theatre.

Noh is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world, which its origin dates back to the 14th century. This art has been conserved and performed for 600 years in Japan.

During the performance on stage		During the performance on stage
During the performance on stage		Audiences watching the performance with special 3D glasses mounted on an Omote Noh mask
During the post-show reception attended by H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda		Performance stage at the outdoor of ACM (Asian Civilisations Museum)

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2016 marks the
50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations