Oq
Commissioned by Japan Society, and Premiered at Arizona State University Gammage in 2015
Original Cast: Lauren Cox, Leah Morrison, Mina Nishimura, Silas Riener and Ryoji Sasamoto
Touring Cast: Julian Barnett, Lauren Cox, Mina Nishimura, Silas Riener and Kota Yamazaki
Music Composed by Masahiro Sugaya
Lighting Design by Kathy Kaufmann
Set Design by SO-IL
Costume by Kota Yamazaki
Photos: Tim Trumble
ABOUT
Inspired by Japanese modern novelist Junichiro Tanizaki’s In Praise of Shadows, OQ explores concepts such as “unity of opposites” and “one is equal to many, which can be found in a structure of renga (a form of Japanese linked poem). Inspired by utakai (a traditional imperial poem reading ceremony) and a structure of linked poem, five performers with diverse backgrounds created an anarchic yet harmonic space. OQ consists of two acts, and these two acts could be seen as “Kyo” (subjective coloring) and “Jitsu” (objective reality). Like Rubin’s vase, the acts could fit in either category. And a metaphorical object designed by architect collective SO-IL exists almost as an anchor to connect Kyo and Jitsu in this amorphous and anarchy palace.
