LADDER
Japan-Canada International Exchange Project
日本カナダ国際文化交流
The purpose of "Ladder" is to explore important themes of cultural identity, immigration, and generational differences through the history of Japanese Canadians. The project aims to shed light on overlooked history, learn from each other, and create an innovative performance. The interactive creation between mask art by Miya Turnbull and Butoh dance by Emiko Agatsuma can contribute to a more diverse and inclusive outlook on the arts. This project will also promote cross-cultural understanding, respect, and collaboration with other fields of arts.
このプロジェクトは日系カナダ人の歴史を通して、文化的アイデンティティ、移民、世代間の違いといった重要なテーマを探求し、それによって見過ごされてきた歴史に光を当て、互いに学び合いながら新しい気づきを含んだ作品を創り出すことを目的としています。Miya Turnbull によるお面のアートと我妻恵美子による舞踏が相互に影響を与え合うこの創作は、より多様で包括的な芸術観に貢献し、異文化理解と尊重を進めていきます。また、歴史への新たなアプローチや他分野とのコラボレーションを通じて、芸術における新たな価値の創造を目指します。
Please support the LADDER Project
Please support the LADDER Project through a donation. Any amount will help support our future endeavours to expand and present our project around the world and to foster cross-cultural exchange and integration through the art of Butoh and Mask Making. This project promotes mutual learning and coexistence through the history of Japanese Canadians. As a token of our gratitude, we will send you a digital ticket for the online presentation of the LADDER performance.
LADDERプロジェクトへのご支援をお願いします。このプロジェクトは日系カナダ人の歴史を通じて、異なる文化間での相互理解と協力を促進します。皆様の寄付は私たちの表現活動を支え、芸術を通して多様性と共存を育む貴重な一歩となります。ご寄付を頂いた方にLADDERプロジェクトのデジタルチケットをお送りいたします。
ONLINE Streaming
Introduction of
LADDER梯子 Project
Experience "Ladder" from anywhere, anytime! Explore the "Ladder" project and its mesmerizing Butoh performance through two captivating videos. Dive into the unique world of masks created by Miya Turnbull, a fourth-generation Japanese Canadian, and witness the transformative Butoh dance of Emiko Agatsuma. This special video captures every nuanced facial expression and the expressive movements of their fingertips. Enjoy the original music by Gozu Mezu (Hitoshi Sugiyama) alongside the powerful live performance.
ONLINE Streaming "LADDER 梯子" Project
■ Streaming period | 2024/7/19 20:00~8/31 23:59 (GMT +9:00)
■ Video time |
① Introduction | 4:03
② Performance | 40:32
＊Once purchased, you can watch as many times as you like within the term.
■Digital Ticket Fee | 550 JPY (approx $5 CAD)
■Purchase | https://agaxart.stores.jp/items/6699f4ef902533011265a592
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Emiko Agatsuma spent three months in Halifax working with mask artist and fourth-generation Japanese Canadian Miya Turnbull on the theme of Japanese Canadian history. Their Butoh performance, “Ladder,” was presented at the Bus Stop Theatre in Halifax, Canada, on June 28-29, 2024. Miya’s mask, used in the performance, silently questions the audience, adding a unique layer to the piece. Gozu Mezu (Hitoshi Sugiyama) composed the music for this piece, performing live with the Shinobue and Taiko, adding vibrant color to the wordless stage.
In the early 20th century, Japan's overpopulation led many to emigrate overseas in search of better opportunities. These emigrants faced cultural differences, property confiscation, forced migration, and labor, especially during World War II. They often coped with the saying, “Shikata ga nai," meaning "It cannot be helped," as a way to endure indescribable suffering.
Emiko's Butoh choreography reflects her experiences as a minority, dealing with language barriers, and the diverse communities she encountered while traveling from Japan to Canada.
The Japanese who emigrated to Canada at the beginning of the 20th century, and Japanese Canadians born and raised in Canada, faced familial and geographical upheaval during WWII. To survive, they often masked their true feelings. "Where did these unexpressed emotions go after they passed away?" This is the question Emiko explores in this performance.
The title, “Ladder,” symbolizes multiple connections: the link between Japan and Canada, the bridge between different art forms, the generational ties of Japanese Canadians, and the descent into the depths of our own consciousness.
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配信映像 「LADDER 梯子」プロジェクト
「Ladder 梯子」をいつでもどこからでも！公演映像を含んだ「Ladder」プロジェクトの紹介映像です。日系四世のミヤ・ターンブルさんが創作する数々のユニークなマスクの内側に入り込むような世界観、我妻恵美子の舞踏で受肉された情念渦巻く体、細かな表情の変化から指先の表現までとらえた特別な映像満載！Gozu Mezu（杉山仁志）によるオリジナル音楽、迫力ある演奏も共にお楽しみください。
トレーラー ▶
■ 配信期間 | 2024/7/19 20:00~8/31 23:59 (GMT +9:00)
■ 映像時間｜
① 紹介映像 | 4:03
② 公演映像 | 40:32
※一度ご購入頂くと、期間内は何度でも視聴できます。
■ 価格 | 550円（税込）
■ 購入 | https://agaxart.stores.jp/items/6699f4ef902533011265a592
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我妻恵美子は3ヶ月ハリファックスに滞在し、マスクアーティストであり日系四世のミヤ・ターンブルと共に日系カナダ人の歴史をテーマに創作し、2024年6月28～29日、カナダのハリファックスにあるバス・ストップ・シアターにて舞踏公演「Ladder 梯子」が上演されました。
ミヤが創り出したマスクが観客に無言で問いかけ、作品を特別なものにしています。音楽はGozu Mezu（杉山仁志）が今作品の為に作曲し、また公演ではライブで篠笛や太鼓を演奏しました。彼の音楽によって言葉のない舞台が色づけられていきます。
20世紀初頭、日本は人口が増え過ぎたことにより、多くの人がより良い仕事を求めて海外に移住することを決断しました。大きな夢を膨らませての移住、その先での文化の違いの困難、また、第二次世界大戦が勃発してからの日系カナダ人に対する財産の没収、強制移住と強制労働。様々な理不尽に面して、人々は「しかたがない」と言います。それは生き残る術でもあり、筆舌に尽くしがたい苦しさでもあります。
日本からカナダに渡り、少数派であること、言葉のバリア、様々な形のコミュニティのあり方に出会い、そうした我妻恵美子の体験を元に舞踏の振付を行いました。
日本から遠く離れたこの地に渡った日本人、そしてカナダで生まれ育った日系カナダ人、第二次世界大戦で切り裂かれた家族と土地、生きるためにマスクで本音を覆うことを決めた人たち。「それらの表に現れなかった言葉は死後どこに向かうのでしょうか？」この問いかけを我妻はこの作品で探求しました。
タイトルの「LADDER（梯子）」は日本とカナダを繋ぐ梯子、異なるアートを繋ぐ梯子、日系カナダ人として繋いできた世代間の梯子、また自身の心の闇へ降りていく梯子をイメージしています。
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【映像】舞踏公演「LADDER 梯子」
コラボレーション | 我妻恵美子 (舞踏) 、ミヤ・ターンブル (マスクアート)
音楽 | Gozu Mezu (杉山仁志)
公演映像 |
撮影・編集 | ダリオ・ロザノ・ソーントン（North Window Productions）
撮影助手 | アナカ・ゲール
撮影場所 | バス・ストップ・シアター （ハリファックス・カナダ）
撮影日 | 2024年6月
照明 | アレクサ・クリステ
舞踏公演「Ladder」助成 |
アーツカウンシル東京
Art Nova Scotia (Support4Culture)
Canada Council for the Arts/ Conseil des arts du Canada
Kinetic Studio (Halifax)
協力 |
Prismatic Arts Festival, Dance Nova Scotia (DANSpace), the Japanese Society of Halifax and the Bus Stop Theatre
日本カナダ国際交流プロジェクト「Ladder」
主催 | AGAXART、ミヤ・ターンブル
【注意】
・視聴可能期間内であれば何回でも視聴可能です。
・チケット購入後のキャンセル・払い戻しはできません。
・本映像作品に関するすべての権利はAGAXARTとMiya Turnbullに帰属します。カメラ、スマートフォン等による画面録画、写真撮影、音声録音は一切禁止です。
・動画サイトなどへの無断転載・共有を行った場合、法的責任に問われる場合がございます。
・視聴リンクやパスワードの第三者への転売、譲渡、コピー、偽造は固くお断りします。
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【Streaming】Butoh Performance "LADDER 梯子"
Collaboration | Emiko Agatsuma (Butoh Dancer) and Miya Turnbull (Mask Art)
Music | Gozu Mezu (Hitoshi Sugiyama)
Performance Video |
Filmed and Edited by Dario Lozano-Thornton, North Window Productions
2nd camera | Annaka Gale
Filmed at the Bus Stop Theatre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. June 2024.
Technician | Alexa Kirste
Butoh Performance of "LADDER 梯子" was supported by
Arts Council Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture)
Art Nova Scotia (Support4Culture)
Canada Council for the Arts/ Conseil des arts du Canada
Kinetic Studio (Halifax)
Additional thanks to Prismatic Arts Festival, Dance Nova Scotia (DANSpace), the Japanese Society of Halifax and the Bus Stop Theatre
Japan-Canada international exchange project "LADDER 梯子"
Organized by AGAXART and Miya Turnbull
【NOTE】
・You can watch the video as many times as you wish within the available viewing period.
・No cancellations or refunds are allowed after ticket purchase.
・AGAXART and Miya Turnbull reserve all rights to this video work. Screen recording, photography, and sound recording with cameras, smart phones, etc. are all prohibited.
・Unauthorized reproduction or sharing on video sites may result in legal liability.
・Resale, transfer, copying, or forgery of viewing links or passwords to third parties is strictly prohibited.
Subscribe to the LADDER YouTube Channel!
Youtube
LADDER梯子
We're creating not only stage Butoh performances but also short films in Halifax. Don't miss out on our latest content—subscribe to the LADDER YouTube channel today!
Hello, Japanese Canadians!
Your voice matters!
We're conducting an anonymous survey to better understand the experiences of Japanese Canadians.
Please take a few moments to share your thoughts by completing our questionnaire. Your voice will help our "Ladder" project and contribute to mutual learning to build a more inclusive society for all.
Japan-Canada international exchange project
日本カナダ国際文化交流
Butoh
Performance
LADDER梯子
Embark on a mesmerizing journey as Halifax-based Mask Maker, Miya Turnbull, and Tokyo-based Butoh Dancer, Emiko Agatsuma, come together for a captivating collaboration at the Bus Stop Theatre in Halifax on June 28-29. Following three months of in-depth research and creation on the theme of Japanese Canadian history, the powerful performance portrays deep sorrow and affection that have remained untold. With original pieces composed by Gozu Mezu (Hitoshi Sugiyama), specifically for 'Ladder,' immerse yourself in this unforgettable experience. Don't miss this unique fusion of artists!
Why is the history of Japanese Canadians chosen as the theme?
Miya Turnbull is a fourth-generation Japanese Canadian. Although she has never been to Japan, she has a strong interest in her Japanese roots. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she participated in Emiko Agatsuma's online Butoh workshop. Through their conversations, Emiko became fascinated by Turnbull's artistic masks, and Emiko realized that she had no knowledge of the history of Japanese Canadians. In particular, she was unaware of the facts such as the confiscation of property and forced labor experienced by Japanese Canadians during World War II. By creating works with immigration as the theme, they aim to promote mutual learning and coexistence in this contemporary world.
What is BUTOH?
Butoh was born in Japan in the 1960s. Butoh seeks beauty even in a debilitated body, emphasizing the connection between the body and the subconscious for a more profound exploration of the human condition through body dialogue. This attitude established a unique body philosophy and Butoh keeps attracting people all over the world.
Outline
Collaboration |
Emiko Agatsuma (Butoh dancer)
Miya Turnbull (Mask Artist)
Music creation and performance |
Gozu Mezu (Hitoshi Sugiyama)
Date | 2024
June 28 (Fri) 7:30 pm★
June 29 (Sat) 2:00 pm★ / 7:30 pm
*Opens at 30 mins before
*Performance time | approximately 40 mins
★ Artist talk
Venue | Bus Stop Theatre (2203 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS B3K 3B5)
Fee | $20 CAD
*There are discounts available to use as needed if finances are a barrier for you. Please use passcode: LADDER5 for a $5 discount and passcode: LADDER10 for a $10 discount. You have to manually enter these when you select your tickets. Ticket sales will help support our project and venue costs.
Choreography | Emiko Agatsuma
Mask-art | Miya Turnbull
Co- direction | Emiko Agatsuma and Miya Turnbull
Organized by AGAXART and Miya Turnbull
Supported by
Arts Council Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture)
Art Nova Scotia (Support4Culture)
Canada Council for the Arts/ Conseil des arts du Canada
Kinetic (Halifax, N.S.)
Additional Thanks
Prismatic Arts Festival
The Japanese Society of HalifaxDance
Nova Scotia (DANSpace)
Inquiry |
Emiko Agatsuma agaxart@gmail.com
Miya Turnbull miyamask@gmail.com
NIKKEI VOICE
A LADDER ACROSS THE GLOBE: COLLABORATIVE PROJECT CONNECTS CANADIAN AND JAPANESE ARTIST
By KELLY FLECK
JUN 18, 2024
Mask-maker and Butoh dancer unite for Ladder 梯子, rooted in Japanese-Canadian history
By Elissa Barnard
June 24, 2024
Performers
Butoh dancer
Emiko Agatsuma
Emiko Agatsuma is a versatile Japanese artist recognized for her role as a Butoh dancer, choreographer, and director. In addition she is a representative of AGAXART, a Butoh company dedicated to nurturing Butoh talent in Japan and internationally. She was crowned Best Young Artist by the Japan Dance Critics Association in 2015 and was selected to represent Japan at the 39th annual Battery Dance Festival in New York City (2020). Since 2022, She has directed
the dance project of "HOKUSAI MANGA BUTOH" in Tokyo. Emiko has taught and performed Butoh not only in Japan, but also in North America, Europe, and throughout Asia.
Mask-maker
Miya Turnbull
Miya Turnbull is a visual artist originally from Alberta, and has been based in Halifax for over 20 years. She is primarily a mask-maker and focuses on Self-Portraits as a way to explore personal and collective identity. She has exhibited her masks, photos, and video performances in galleries across Canada and internationally.
Miya holds a BFA from the University of Lethbridge. Recently she has been collaborating with dance artists as an introduction to movement and choreography which she can combine with her masks to embody and interact with them in new, more performative ways.
Musician
Gozu Mezu
(Hitoshi Sugiyama)
Born and raised in Japan, Hitoshi has made music a part of his life starting with taiko and shinobue (flute) as a child. During university, he moved away from the traditional music of his youth and began composing electronic music.
Hitoshi moved to Canada in 2009. He joined a band and they wrote a soundtrack for a short film as well as performing. He then returned to his roots, combining taiko and shinobue with electronic music and performed locally.
In early 2022, Hitoshi released his first album of ambient/experimental electro-acoustic music under the name ‘Gozu Mezu’.
Diary of Production Process
Emiko Agatsuma
Butoh Workshop
in Halifax
Boost your creativity! Japanese dancer Emiko introduces you to "Butoh" in a fun way!
The point of Butoh basic training is to imagine that our body is an empty bag. The empty bag is moved by something. By trying to remove an intention, we are able to feel unconsciousness inside our body. This workshop is for all levels. Even beginners can enjoy this Butoh basic training. You feel relaxed and find a new approach to your inner mind and body.
● What is BUTOH？
Butoh is a Japanese interpretative dance that was born in the 1960s. The most famous founders were Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno.
Butoh dance is a post-war avant-garde movement in Japan that emerged as a reaction against Western styles of dance. Unlike dances that focus on developing the body's movements, Butoh seeks beauty even in a debilitated body, emphasizing the connection between the body and the subconscious for a more profound exploration of the human condition through body dialogue.
Butoh dancers imagine their bodies as empty bags, and convey a sense of introspection by accepting their inner selves and both positive and negative emotions. This unique approach to dance has established Butoh body philosophy and attracted attention globally.
＜Workshop Highlights＞
・Learn how to move your body based on Butoh basic training.
・Explore the background of Butoh movements and the connection between mind and body through imagination.
＜Emiko's Teaching Approach＞
We delicately instruct and explain through imagery to facilitate understanding. Using Butoh dance as a medium, we aim to bring awareness to forgotten or overlooked elements and view an individual's inner experiences from a different perspective. We often use visual images and examples to create movement from within.
＜Why Register?＞
・Feel relaxed and accept yourself consciously and unconsciously.
・Enhance your sense of body and boost creativity.
・Learn Asian physical methods different from Western ones.
・Even beginners can enjoy Butoh basic training.
We look forward to your participation!
■ Schedule
April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 25 and June 15
3~5 PM each
*They are independent classes with different contents. It can be taken only one time, but it is recommended to take all 6 classes in a row.
■ Venue
Halifax Dance Studio
(1505 BARRINGTON STREET, HALIFAX, NS, B3J 3K5, CANADA)
*We'll let you know the details in confirmation mail later.
■ Fee (It will help support our project costs, thank you.)
$30 CAD / 1 workshop
$50 CAD / 2 workshops（$10 discount）
$150 CAD / 6 workshops（$30 discount）
*If finances are a barrier for you to come, we also have a 'Pay What You Can Option'
$20, $15, $10 /1 workshop
■ Butoh instructor
Emiko Agatusma
■ Facilitator
Miya Turnbull
Organized by AGAXART, Miya Turnbull
Supported by
Arts Council Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture)
Art Nova Scotia (Support4Culture)
Canada Council for the Arts/ Conseil des arts du Canada
Kinetic Studio
主催 | AGAXART, Miya Turnbull
協力| Kinetic Studio
助成 |
公益財団法人東京都歴史文化財団 アーツカウンシル東京[東京芸術文化創造発信助成]
Art Nova Scotia (Support4Culture)
Canada Council for the Arts/ Conseil des arts du Canada
