Article by, Shakti, Artistic Director, The Tokyo Fringe, The Kyoto Fringe and The Garage International.
The TFF (Tokyo Fringe Festival) commences at the end of May and offers you an interesting and a varied programme rarely seen in Japan.
We have an amazing lineup of artists from afar coming to share and communicate. Here we are in Katsushika-ku, across the Arakawa (Ara River). This is “Shitamachi”, the Fringe of Tokyo. Asakusa with its charming little stalls and stunning Kannonji Temple is close by. Shibamata, home of the famous movie star, Tora-san, is right by.
And in the midst of it is the small and intimate Shakti Studio. Our theme is “Collaboration & Communication”. We hope to bridge the gap between cultures, languages, art and people from all over the world.
Our exciting programme includes:
De Joux Musique - “Songs of an Immigrant: Tales from Paris” (New York, USA)
A tragic-comic auto-biographic tale of an American chanteuse who leaves her homeland with only an accordion and a handful of songs to discover the city of lights. Marni Rice plays the accordion, sings and tells her story to you.
Mikhail Tank – “Soul Photography” (Los Angeles, USA)
Mikhail Tank has created a show where energy stored, can be re-accessed and infuse the soul with life. Prepare to be inspired and amused in Mikhail Tank’s theatre of psychological performance art.
Mika Haka – “Timaru” (Christchurch, New Zealand)
This gay Maori entertainer is one of a kind. With a powerful presence and dynamic voice Mika will draw you into his world where Tribal meets Las Vegas.
Egiku Hanayagi – “Homage to the Earth” (Tokyo, Japan)
Creative Japanese dance performed by national arts award winning dancer, Egiku Hanayagi and her group. This show will be also performed in Avignon in July.
“Shiva” Belly Dance Dojo – “Oriental Belly Dance” (Tokyo, Japan)
Belly dance has gained much popularity in Japan and one can see why in this exotic and lively show by Siva (Yasuyo Shibata) and her Belly Dance Dojo.
Exit – “Underground Wrestling” (professional wrestling) (Tokyo, Japan)
A sell-out at the Adelaide Fringe 2009. Here is a chance to see this extreme hard core underground wrestling infused with martial arts in a tiny space. Featuring Fugofugoyumeji and Munenori Sawa. Not for the faint hearted!
Andrew Bush Productions –“Heart, Sword and Perseverance” (Alabama, USA)
A documentary about the Ninja. Who were these people actually? What were their motives? An insight into the Ninjas.
Groundplay Entertainment –“My Ex-Girlfriend’s TV” (UK / Japan)
Groundplay is an independent film production company comprised of a dynamic group of individuals gathered from all around the world based in Tokyo. This is their first short about a foreigner living in Japan who realizes that he can’t get rid of his ex-girlfriend’s TV without her help.
Mieko Nishimura – “Sora” visual art exhibition (Kyoto, Japan)
Buddhist painter, Mieko will display her colourful works of flowers and birds.
Jungle Mom – “BODY” graphic poster art exhibition (Tokyo, Japan)
Erotic and mysterious. The 2 meter long scrolls will be hung outside the Shakti Studio from the roof balcony.
And last but not least we have the 2 founders of the TFF, Shakti & Dwayne Lawler who not only direct and produce and run the festival but make sure to perform in it in.
Dwayne Lawler – “Clown vs Girl” (Sydney, Australia)
A 20 min absurd comedy written and performed by Dwayne Lawler. A nice comic relief in the festival!
Shakti – “Kundalini Yoga Workshop” (Japan/India)
Kundalini Tantra Yoga workshop focusing on using the breath as a powerful tool to generate energy and strengthen the body and mind. To give you energy to go through the festival.
Shakti – “1001 Nights” (Japan/India)
An interactive performance which was a great hit in Adelaide. The audience is invited to bring any music they want right before the show. The dance will be created for you. Every night – a different song, a different dance . . and so the story continues. . .
Dates: May 29-31, 2009 (Friday – Sunday).
Times: from 1:00- 8:30 (Check out The Garage International for details).
Place: Shakti Studio (Katsushika-ku Horikiri 4-19-14 Tokyo 124-0006, Japan).
For information & reservation: 03 6822 3269 / TFF@TheGarageInternational.com
Shows are 1000-2000 yen each. Purchase a TFF One Day Pass for 5000 yen which includes all shows on that day. Relax over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine at our rooftop bar between shows.
Meet the artists.
Communicate and Collaborate!
Tags: Asakusa, Dwayne Lawler, Marnie Rice, Mika Haka, Shakti, Tokyo Fringe Festival, tora-san