about
- Name:
- Kyoto Experiment: Kyoto International Performing Arts Festival 2023
- Dates:
- September 30th (Sat) – October 22nd (Sun) 2023 [23 days]
- Venues:
- ROHM Theatre Kyoto, KYOTO ART CENTER, Kyoto Art Theater Shunjuza, THEATRE E9 KYOTO, Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art and other locations
- Organized by
- Kyoto International Performing Arts Festival Executive Committee [Kyoto City, ROHM Theatre Kyoto (Kyoto City Music Art Cultural Promoting Foundation), Kyoto Art Center (Kyoto Arts and Culture Foundation), Kyoto Performing Arts Center at Kyoto University of the Arts, THEATRE E9 KYOTO (Arts Seed Kyoto)]
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 core concept for 2023 is the Japanese word maze maze literally meaning ‘mix mix’. This year’s lineup features experimental performing arts works that allow us to consider language, identity and culture as maze maze; as a mix of things. By considering these things as changeable, fluid and plural; for example by considering how languages constantly change and intermingle, we believe we can allow ourselves space to consider contemporary society in a multitude of alternative ways.
Greetings
A Message from the Directors
Three Programs
![Shows Kansai Studies Super Knowledge for the Future[SKF]](https://kyoto-ex.jp/wp-content/themes/kyotoexperiment/assets/images/about/program_frame.png)
The festival consists of three programs: “Kansai Studies,” a program that researches the Kansai region, where the festival is rooted, and aims to cultivate a foundation for future creation; “Shows,” a lineup of experimental performing arts and exhibitions from around the world; and “Super Knowledge for the Future [SKF],” a series of talks and workshops that explore the relationship between experimental performing arts and all kinds of different topics beyond the world of art.
Kansai Studies
As an international festival based in Kyoto, this program focuses on the region upon which the festival stands and explores it through fieldwork. Artists take the lead in the program, researching the Kansai region’s culture in team with local residents, producers, and researchers.Thoughts and observations derived from this research are published on the Kansai Studies website and archived in a way that allows viewers to follow their development. This is intended to be an “online library” accessible to all, which may one day serve as a source of knowledge and inspiration, as well as a testing ground, for future creators and projects.
Shows
This program invites radical artists from Japan and overseas, staging works of performing arts that we think should be experienced right now. Closely observing the shifts and trends in the performing arts scene in Kyoto and the Kansai region, the program introduces experimental works that transcend the genre boundaries of dance, theater, music, and fine art. The program focuses on ambitious works that raise new questions about perceived boundaries in the performing arts, including those between auditorium and stage, between genders, between work and creative process, and between subject and object of performance.
Super Knowledge for the Future [SKF]
Can artists foresee the future? The “SKF” program connects society with experimental performing arts through talks and workshops in an attempt to spark new ideas and dialogues, a fresh awareness of issues, and perspectives on the future. Think, discuss and debate together on various social problems and issues beyond the world of art. We hope the “Super Knowledge” acquired will equip you to flexibly confront the unpredictable future!