Kyoto Experiment is a performing arts festival held in Kyoto since 2010. Dedicated to producing and presenting experimental performing arts—both from Japan and overseas— the festival aims to explore and create new dialogues and values in society. Featuring experimental works that move freely between genres such as theater, dance, music and fine art, the festival hopes to open up new possibilities through the creations, experiences, and ideas that emerge from such a diverse combination.

The festival’s key phrase for 2024 is “ētto ētto” (an everyday Japanese phrase meaning ‘um’ or ‘er’ in English). We hope this phrase can be used as a key to accessing new perspectives on our lineup of experimental performing arts from around the world. When we try to recall something or engage in conversation with others, we often use “ētto ētto” as we gather fragmentary thoughts and memories and turn them into words. It fills a gap and is a phrase used when thinking or searching for something. It might also be a word for bridging the space between ourselves and others while connecting memories and dialogue. We unfold the festival with this key phrase with the hope of connecting the past & present and others & ourselves while weaving our next words.