FESTIVAL/TOKYO

A platform to discuss the creation of a "theatre-yet-to-come," the F/T Symposium series centers around four themes questioning the possibilities of contemporary theatre in a political, economical and social context. Related videos are screened in the frame of the F/T Theatrotheque.

Theme 1：　Reflecting on the publicness of the arts

Nov 5 (Fri), 19:00 - 21:00

How and why is the expression of an individual legitimized as "art", and how can it actualize publicness? Fundamental questions regarding public and private, community and art, and the institutionalization of art are raised in a time when the examination of the Japanese cultural policy is on the political agenda.

Panelists: Fram Kitagawa / Art director, Taneo Kato / Adm Dir. Asahi Beer Arts Foundation, Chiaki Soma / F/T Program director
Moderator: Tadashi Uchino, Theatre critic

Theme 2： Looking at the city through the lens of theatre

Nov 6 (Sat), 19:00 - 21:00

Originating in the city, recently theatre is seen to achieve a new relationship with the urban space. Which dramaturgy can be found for theatre in the city of Tokyo in specific and East Asia in general? Looking back on the history of "theatre in the city" and "the city as theatre", the future comes into focus.

Panelists: Shunya Yoshimi / Sociologist, Ryota Fukushima / Literary critic, Masataka Matsuda / Theatre director
Moderator: Hidenaga Otori, Theatre critic

Theme 3：　Re-thinking "contemporary" theatre in Japan

Nov 12 (Fri), 19:00 - 21:00

In the third symposium the development of Japanese performing arts from Dumb Type up to now is examined, taking a new look at "contemporary" theatre in the light of history including other artistic genres as well as social issues. How is it possible to create a work that possesses actuality and is innovative at the same time?

Panelists: Atsushi Sasaki / Critic, Sachio Ichimura / F/T Chairman, Yohei Kurose / Artist, Critic, Norimizu Ameya / Theatre director, Artist

Moderator: Tadashi Uchino, Theatre critic

Theme 4：　Expanding theatre

Nov 13 (Sat), 19:00 - 21:00

In the post-drama era, theatre is not any longer limited to the staging of a drama inside the theatre building. How far can the concept of "theatre" expand? Referring to ground-breaking phenomena ranging from "performance" to new Japanese media such as "2 channel" and "Niko-niko doga", present-day theatre is investigated in a search for a "theatre-yet-to-come".

Panelists: Kengo Kuma / Architect, Satoshi Hamano / Critic, Akira Takayama / Theatre director
Moderator: Hidenaga Otori, Theatre critic