The Between the Stones Project Report is now available on the website. The report covers the period from 2018 until June 2020. It includes the project processes, inputs, outputs and key project benefits and delivery of the project objectives.
We adopted a simple, yet challenging approach to the project. It was important from the beginning that, although connected developmentally, each activity should be of value in, and of, itself. The project was divided into three phases all focused on Getting to Noh from page to stage.
Like all projects quality, time and cost were central challenges. The phased approach was used to help us tackle these generic challenges with the specific artistic focus: ‘Would it be possible to develop a new, contemporary noh drama in English with our Japanese and other collaborators using traditional techniques, within the time and cost constraints presented, and include a wide range of education and outreach activities?’
The report illustrates our best efforts in this respect. It includes comments sent to us throughout the three phases of the project, as well as comments from the artists.
We hope you enjoy reading about the unique intercultural journey of this not-for-profit international arts collaboration project.
If you missed any of the live performances you can view the film of the last performance of the European tour at the Musée Guimet, Paris on the website.
Additional resources are also available on the website:
the podcast of Simon Callow and Jonathan Dove in discussion with Richard Emmert and Jannette Cheong
an audiobook of actor Hugh Quarshie reading Between the Stones, as well as his article ‘my need to noh’
an opera vocal rendition of the Courage Song from Act 2 of Between the Stones by bass-baritone Piran Legg, using the original noh score, and you can see the same section of the live performance and read the libretto.
Getting to noh: education and outreach work is listed with special mention of the two-year Cities of Peace Noh Theatre Project
the final activity of the Cities of Peace project will be the creation of the Japanese Peace Garden.