Nippon Cultural Centre
Sept. 21-24
One might not directly link dancers and calligraphers, but for the internationally acclaimed choreographer Lin Hwai Min, their professions share more than meets the eye. Calligraphers may appear still, but in reality they are dancers on the page. To be the best at their art, just as in dance, focused, disciplined bursts of energy are required. Not even a breath can be misplaced.
"Cursive II" and "Wild Cursive," are the second and third installments of "Cursive Trilogy," Min's exploration of Chinese calligraphy. Where Part I deals with the bold, strong kanji so familiar to Japanese audiences, parts II and III concentrate on the art form's lesser known qualities. "Cursive II" is based on the five shades of ink calligraphers can use, while "Wild Calligraphy" -- the finale and most energetic of the trilogy -- takes its inspiration from Kuang Chao, the highest and most free expression of brushwork.
Performed in a unique vocabulary of East-meets-West -- think meditation and martial arts crossed with ballet and Martha Graham -- "Cursive Trilogy" is close to the heart of Tokyo's hybrid landscape. You might even call it a perfect antidote to our heavily signboarded city. Either way, for anyone interested in the power of calligraphy this is a must see -- during the short span of a performance at the Nippon Cultural Centre (www1.ocn.ne.jp/~ncc/info--e.html) you may be more enlightened than from years of wielding a brush.
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