POJIKI ポ食 DATE: August 19-21, 2011 SITE: Asahi Art Square (Azumabashi, Sumida ward, Tokyo) This short theater work titled “POJIKI,” is an accusation on the ego of human society. This modest yet compelling statement is topped with humor, an absolutely necessary ingredient for a stirring speech. On stage, an Australian artist Sarah Goffman speaks of her love of whales and hatred against Japan as one of pro-whaling countries. Next to her stands Yu Araki, a dog- collared interpreter who solemnly translates her words while being tied on a leash. Then appears the Potato Chips Monster giving an irony-filled accusation, followed by the people who try to seize the monster. The topic of conversation seamlessly shifts from the whales to the Crested Ibis (endangered Japanese birds; Nipponia nippon) and eventually to artists. Australia protecting whales vs. Japan’s continuing whaling activities. The current Japanese government has been conserving the Crested Ibis, after repenting the overhunting done in the past. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government continues to support and/or preserve artists by putting in tax money, without understanding its essential significance. Each and every matter is completely different, yet somehow they are similar. What do we keep and what do we leave out? How far can we go with the decision that we have made? In the end, Momoi Shimada, the actress who was left behind on the stage along with the captured monster, faces the audience and quietly recites the following statement: “You, are, my tombstone.” NOTE: For the non-Japanese speakers, the word “POJIKI” does not exist in Japanese language. It is a made-up term that combines “KOJIKI (= a beggar)” with concepts of potato, positive, etc. ダンス/パフォーマンス作品を集めたイベント 「吾妻橋ダンスクロッシング」参加作品。 レジデンス施設で一緒に生活してるアーティストとの交流をネタにしてこねくりまわし作成。 上演時間10分。 LINK >> Azumabashi Dance Crossing >> Asahi Art Square composed and directed by: Noriyuki Kiguchi 危口統之 cast: Sarah Goffman Yu Araki 荒木悠 Momoi Shimada 島田桃衣 Showta Mori 森翔太 Noriyuki Kiguchi 危口統之 production assistant: Ayumu Kamio 神尾歩 costume: Takaaki Yamamuro 山室毅聡 |
PHOTO BY : SOMEIDO |