- Participatory Performance
an astonishingly simple participatory performance that explores the shape of happiness.
Approaching art as “a new form of prayer,” Kyun-Chome creates poetic and humorous works internationally. In recent years, they have focused on the sea and the act of breathing; in 2024, they held a series of workshops on breathing at Minato Commons.
At Theater Commons Tokyo ’25, they will further develop this project to present “Breath in the Dark for Peace,” an experiential performance in which audience members explore their own breathing in the dark. Kyun-Chome will incorporate breathing techniques learned at sea and through traditional yoga, creating a moment of connection between our inner selves and our external surroundings to propose a new form of happiness.
Inhale and exhale. Breathing is foundational to life and is one of our most important acts, continuing without interruption for two billion years. Through this fundamental activity, we will re-perceive our connections with ourselves, other people and creatures, the earth, and the universe.
Profile
Kyun-Chome
An art unit consisting of Eri Honma and Nabuchi. Formed in response to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, they have produced a number of video works and projects in various locations, using their own bodies as a medium to address social divisions and complexities. Recent major exhibitions include “The Color of the Soul is Blue” (Kurobe City Museum of Art, 2023), “Roppongi Crossing 2022: Coming & Going” (Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, 2022), “Current Location: To Draw a Map of the Future [1]” (21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, 2019), and “Aichi Triennale 2019” (Aichi, 2019).
Dates
February 21st [Fri] 16:00 *Pair ticket / 19:00
February 22nd [Sat] 16:00 *Relaxed performance / 19:00
February 23rd [Sun] 12:00 / 19:00 *Pair ticket
February 24th [Mon] 12:00 / 19:00 *Pair ticket
February 28th [Fri] 16:00 *Pair ticket / 19:00
March 1st [Sat] 16:00 / 19:00
March 2nd [Sun] 16:00 *Relaxed performance / 19:00
Performance times
Approx. 70 min.
Venue
4F Minato Commons
5-28-4 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0014
Ticket
Single ticket
Adults | 3,000 yen
Students | 2,500 yen
*Booking essential, non-reserved seat
Pair ticket
Adults | 5,000 yen
Students | 4,000 yen
*Booking essential, non-reserved seat
*This ticket may be used to attend two performances with Tomoko Sato’s “Index for Obake Tokyo: East Asia Chapter,” which will be performed on the same day.
*This ticket may be used for the following showtimes only:
2/21 [Fri] Tomoko Sato 14:00 / Kyun-Chome 16:00
2/23 [Sun] Tomoko Sato 14:00 / Kyun-Chome 19:00
2/24 [Mon] Tomoko Sato 14:00 / Kyun-Chome 19:00
2/28 [Fri] Tomoko Sato 14:00 / Kyun-Chome 16:00
Please note
*To wear slacks as you will be sitting cross‐legged on a mat during the performance.
*Recommended minimum age: 12 years old (school children may attend the relaxed performance).
Language
Japanese
Accessibility
Relaxed performance sessions
Dates: February 22nd [Sat] 16:00, March 2nd [Sun] 16:00
*The performance can be experienced in a slightly brighter state than usual.
*Entry and exit during the performance is free.
*No loud noises during the performance.
*Children aged 6 and over are welcome to participate.
Whispering (audio) interpretation available in Japanese and English
Subtitles | None
Audio guide | None
Additional accessibility | Writing devices, paper scripts, and tablet devices available for loan on the day
Chair/wheelchair accessibility (also available for non-relaxed performance sessions)
Credit
Concept and direction | Kyun-Chome
Performer | Ai Sasaki (Shigeki Nakano + Frankens)
Venue support | Minato City
Related program
Commons Forum #1 “Theater and Care”
Date | February 23rd [Sun] 16:00–18:00
Commons Tour
Date (Tour A) | February 23rd [Sun], 24th [Mon]
Date (Tour B) | March 1st [Sat], 2nd [Sun]