Artistic Director and Curator: Danny Yung

Co-curators: Makoto Sato, Ke Jun, Wang Qizhi, Li Hongliang, Lu Jianfang

Co-organizers: Zuni Icosahedron, Kun Opera Theatre of the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group

In Association with: : ZA-KOENJI Public Theatre, Patravadi Theatre Bangkok, The Theatre Practice Singapore, The National Theatre Okinawa

Toki

Toki (also known as Japanese crested ibis) is a critically endangered species, a very rare bird in Asia. In World Expo 2010 Shanghai, the Japanese government commissioned Danny Yung and Makoto Sato to create an interactive performance between Kunqu opera and Noh theatre, with toki, the environment and ecology as topic. For that, Danny Yung used the preservation of toki as the metaphor for traditional performing artists to explore the interaction between society and artists, as well as the role of society plays in nurturing talents.

One Table Two Chairs

“One Table Two Chairs” is the platform of exchange for artists in “Toki Project”. 'One table and two chairs' is the basic set for the stage in traditional Chinese opera, and Danny Yung has been using it as the platform for developing creative dialogues, contemporary theatre experiments and cross-cultural exchange since 1997. Over the years, more than a hundred artists and creative personnel from around the world have participated in the project of “One Table Two Chairs”, including famous directors Zhang Ping, Wang Jingsheng, Stanley Lai, Lin Zhaohua, Li Liuyi, Edward Yang, Tsai Ming Liang, Stanley Kwan, and the like. In the year 2000, the concept was developed as the performance exchange project between practitioners of Asian traditional arts and contemporary theatre. From 2012, “One Table Two Chairs” has been the platform of “Toki Project” for exchange in reinventing traditional arts.

"Toki 2016 Nanjing Study Tour" is financially supported by the Home Affairs Bureau and the Commission on Youth Secretariat

Participating Artists in Toki Project 2016 include:

Co- Curators: Makoto Sato (Tokyo)

Artistic Director of Za-Koenji Public Theatre. A pioneer of Japanese contemporary theatre, one of the Founder of Black Tent Theatre. Sato was born in 1943. He founded Jiyu Gekijo (Freedom Theatre) in 1966, the basis of the seminal and deliberately provocative angura (underground) movement which opposed the shingeki (new drama) movement and paved the way for Japan’s thriving theatre today. With an extensive knowledge of performing arts, Sato has wrote and directed both Japanese and foreign plays for 40 years, alongside a wide range of opera, contemporary dance, string puppet and Noh productions; he is also active in cultural exchange and theatre arts education. From 1998-2009, he taught in Tokyo Gakugei University. In 2009, he initiated the “Creative Theatre Academy” program, offer specialized theatre training and to promote and develop young talent.

Pawit Mahasarinand(Bangkok)

Pawit Mahasarinand has taught theatre management, world dramatic literature and theatre and film criticism classes at Chulalongkorn University since 1992, and written dance and theatre reviews for English-language daily newspaper The Nation since 2001. In 2014, he was awarded “chevalier de l’ordre des arts et des lettres” by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication. The first president of the International Association of Theatre Critics’ (IATC) Thailand centre, he was a critic-in-residence at Festival/Tokyo 2011 and East-West Center’s Asia Pacific Dance Festival 2015 where he conducted dance criticism workshops.

Liu Xiaoyi (Contemporary Theatre/Singapore)

Born in China, Xiaoyi has been a prolific member of the Singapore theatre scene for more than a decade. Currently, he is the director of The Lab, one of the arms of The Theatre Practice, which aims to explore and break new grounds in creation, training and exploration of experimental theatre. Since 2002, he has established and distinguished himself firstly as an accomplished actor. Thereafter, Xiaoyi’s enduring love for and talent in writing sparked his foray into playwriting. Xiaoyi has also taken up the role of a director.

Xie Shu (Contemporary Theatre/Beijing)

Theatre and Film director and producer. Founder of the new media platform “Party” and different mudltimedia creative platform. Started the arts education project named “transformation”, and invited different directors, performers, and artists from different countries to provide training to 14-24 years old Chinese dancers. The selected candidates promoted to study in famous arts institutes in the world.

Makoto Matsushima (Contempory Dance/Tokyo)

Matsushima graduated from the Nihon University of College of Art. He launched his stage career with the Japanese dance theatre company Pappa TARAHUMARA while he was still a student, and won critical acclaim both for his performance in television and on stage. Since 1995, Matsushima began creating his own pieces, working both as choreographer and dancer. In 1997, he performed in Zuni Icosahedron's production Invisible Cities and as solo performer and after, he has toured Asia, Europe, and the U.S. with Pappa TARAHUMARA, and participated in its Hong Kong production of Spring Day (Haruhiru) in 1998. Matsushima was the artist-in-residence of Zuni Icosahedron, and collaborated with many Hong Kong local artists in addition to giving solo performances of his works.

Didik Nini Thowok (Yogyakarta)

As a multi-talented artist, Didik Nini Thowok has performed for the highest dignitaries throughout the world. Besides a professional dancer, he’s also a director of the Vocational Dance Education of Natya Lakshita Institute, Didik Nini Thowok Foundation, and Didik Nini Thowok Entertainment. He’s come along the way to enrich himself by working and teaching in order to become a multi talented and professional artist, particularly in dancing.

RAJANIKARA LENG KAEWDEE(Bangkok/Classical Thai Dance, Acrobatic)

Receive a scholarship from National Circus School, Montreal. Trained in acting, singing, Thai classical dance, contemporary dance, acrobatic, aerial arts performance etc.

Yoshikazu Sanabe (Okinawa/Kumiodori Theatre)

Beginning studies under Rikyuu dance master, Matayoshi Seiko, at the age of six, after 20 years of intense study comes his first recital, in which he brings to a classical and mixed dance production fresh expression and presence, and the vigor of an undoubted master of the Rikyuu style of dance. Grappling with traditional group dance as a college student, he exhibited great talent and verve in female Kabuki roles--and now, his performance of young female roles receives wide acclaim in Okinawa's world of performance, where his many-coloured selves stand at the fore. Bearing great expectations for the further fullness of his craft, he displays great sincerity to the spirit of Okinawa's traditional arts.

Michihiko Kakazu (Okinawa/Kumiodori)

Kumi-odori (lit. group dance) and Ryukyu dance are proudly represented on the UNESCO World Heritage Intangible Cultural Assets List. Kumi-odori was first practiced as a means of welcoming Chinese missions sent to Japan in the imperial Nara and Heian periods (spanning 710-1333 C.E.). To continue these precious forms, as well as preserving the unique sounds of Ryukyu-culture music and performance, in January of 2004 the National Dance Theatre of Okinawa was established in Urasoe city, Okinawa prefecture. Ten years later in April of 2013, then 30-something Kakazu Michihiko was appointed as the future successor of the theater's Director of Fine Arts. Beginning his training at four, Kakazu later studied kumi-odori at the Okinawa University of Fine Arts, and he has also been designated as an official successor of the style while active in the roles of director and producer. Responding fully to his mission, Kakazu will bring to life Suimii, a well-loved picture book for children, in a brand new kumi-odori production, and he is also collaborating with famed Kabuki actor Bandoutama Saburou on another.

Ornanong Thaisriwong(Contemporary Theatre/Bangkok)

Graduated from Thammasat University with her B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology. After graduat ion, she joined B-Floor Theatre, Thailand's vanguard physical theatre company, in 2002 as a core member. Her debut solo performance in 2012"Bang-La-Merd" won the best original script award from the International Association of Theatre Critics (IATC)--Thailand Centre. She was also nominated for"Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award" for its restage in 2015.

Cao Zhiwei (Nanjing)

Cao graduated from Hunan Vocational College of Arts in 2003. He specializes in the hualian or ‘painted face’ role. He has studied under several famous artists, such as Sheng Cheng, Luo Wentong, Lei Ziwen, Chen Zhiping, Zhao Jian, Zhou Zhiwei, Zhao Rongjia, Hou Shaokui, Zhao Rongjia and Zhou Zhiyi. His credits include the title of “Golden Flower” at the National Opera Plum Blossom Contest, and being part of the up-and-coming top ten young performers at the National Kun Opera Outstanding Young Performers Show.He has participated in contempt such as Danny Yung Experimental Theatre series : THE TRIAL – Cool Wind Whispers, THE TRIAL – Contempt ,THE TRIAL – Contempt 2014,and “One Table Two Chairs” Experiments: <Fifteen>, < Scattering Flowers > etc.

Sun Yijun (Nanjing)

Sun graduated in 2005 from Jiangsu Drama School, she has studied with Shi Xiaomei, Yue Meiti, Hu Jingfang and Qian Zhenrong. She first learnt the male role type and later the female. Winner of Silver Award at the 2nd Red Plum Award Theatre Competition and Performance Award at the National Promising Young Kun Opera Actors’ Awards.She has participated in contempt such as Danny Yung Experimental Theatre series : <THE TRIAL – Cool Wind Whispers> ,<THE TRIAL – Contempt>, <THE TRIAL – Contempt2014> and “One Table Two Chairs” Experiments: <Fifteen>,<Stand> etc.

Qian Wei (Nanjing)

Qian graduated in 2004 from the Jiangsu Drama School. He specializes in the chou or clown role-types. His teachers include Li Hongliang, Zhang Jidie, Ji Shaoqing and Lin Jifan， Cheng Zhixiong. He received a performance award from the National Kunqu Outstanding Youth Performers Awards and a bronze award at the third Jiangsu Red Plum Chinese Opera Awards.In 2010, he participated in the multimedia stage works “the tale of the Crested Ibis” which directed by Danny Yung and Makoto Sato ,in the Japan Pavilion of Shanghai World Expo.Other experimental theatre performances include: Danny Yung Experimental Theatre series :<THE TRIAL – Cool Wind Whispers> ,<THE TRIAL – Contempt>, <THE TRIAL – Contempt2014> and “One Table Two Chairs” Experiments: <Fifteen> etc.

Zhu Hong(Nanjing)

Zhu graduated in 2004 from Jiangsu Drama School. She specialises in wudan (martiat arts female lead) roles. She studied under various masters Nuo Wanzhen, Ji Aiqin, Jiang Peizhen. She has participated in opera excerpts such as, “Block Horse”, “Departing Frontier”, “Borrowing the Fan” and “Yaotai”. She participated in the multimedia stage works “the tale of the Crested Ibis” which directed by Danny Yung and Makoto Sato ,in the Japan Pavilion of Shanghai World Expo.Other experimental theatre performances include:Danny Yung Experimental Theatre series : <THE TRIAL – Cool Wind Whispers> ,<THE TRIAL – Contempt>, <THE TRIAL – Contempt2014> and “One Table Two Chairs” Experiments: <note>, <zhenhe>.

Xu Sijia (Nanjing)

Xu graduated in 2004 from the Jiangsu Drama School. She specializes in playing the zhengdan (married female lead) role and concurrently studies the wudan (elegant young female) role. Her teachers include Hu Jinfang, Liang Yuyin and Gong Yinlei. Her performances have earned her a place in the Top Ten Kunqu Youth Performers Awards and the National Red Plum Prize as well as many other awards.She participated in the multimedia stage works “the tale of the Crested Ibis” which directed by Danny Yung and Makoto Sato ,in the Japan Pavilion of Shanghai World Expo.Other experimental theatre performances include: <The Spirits Play>, Danny Yung Experimental Theatre series <THE TRIAL – Cool Wind Whispers> ,<THE TRIAL – Contempt>, <THE TRIAL – Contempt2014> and “One Table Two Chairs” Experiments: <Stand> ,< Making Dreams> etc.

Liu Xiaoyun (Nanjing)

Liu graduated in 2004 from the Jiangsu Drama School in 2004. He specializes in the chou or clown role-types under the tutelage of Lin Jifan, Li Hongliang and Ji Shaoqing. He received a performance award at the fourth Jiangsu Red Plum Chinese Opera Awards.In 2010, he participated in the multimedia stage works “the tale of the Crested Ibis” which directed by Danny Yung and Makoto Sato ,in the Japan Pavilion of Shanghai World Expo.Other experimental theatre performances include: Danny Yung Experimental Theatre series :THE TRIAL – Cool Wind Whispers ,THE TRIAL – Contempt ,THE TRIAL – Contempt2014,and “One Table Two Chairs” Experiments: <The king and mask> ,<stand> etc.

Sun Jing (Nanjing)

Sun graduated in 2005 from the Jiangsu Drama School. He specializes in the hualian or ‘painted face’ role. His teachers include Zhao Jian, Zhou Zhiyi, Yang Cai and Huang Xiaowu. He has won prizes at the Kunqu National Youth and the golden award at the Sixth Jiangsu Red Plum Chinese Opera Awards.In 2010, he participated in the multimedia stage works “the tale of the Crested Ibis” which directed by Danny Yung and Makoto Sato ,in the Japan Pavilion of Shanghai World Expo.Other experimental theatre performances include:the spirits play, Danny Yung Experimental Theatre series : <THE TRIAL – Cool Wind Whispers> ,<THE TRIAL – Contempt>, <THE TRIAL – Contempt2014> and “One Table Two Chairs” Experiments: <Bridge> ,<It is said>,<fight me now> etc.

Yang Yang (Nanjing)

Yang graduated in 2004 from the Jiangsu Drama School. He studied the xiaosheng role at first, later specializes in wusheng or martial arts male lead role-types. He has studied under great masters Bai Dongmin, Chen Shaolou, Ke Jun, Shan Xiaoming, Huang Qifeng, etc. In 2013, he started to study elderly male role under master Huang Xiaowu. For his outstanding performances he has been awarded the golden award at the Sixth Jiangsu Red Plum Chinese Opera Awards.He participated in the multimedia stage works “the tale of the Crested Ibis” which directed by Danny Yung and Makoto Sato ,in the Japan Pavilion of Shanghai World Expo.Other experimental theatre performances include: <The Spirits Play>, Danny Yung Experimental Theatre series : <Flee by Night>, <THE TRIAL – Cool Wind Whispers> ,<THE TRIAL – Contempt>, <THE TRIAL – Contempt2014> and “One Table Two Chairs” Experiments: <The king and mask>, <Strew flowers as an offering>. He directed the Experimental kunqu opera “319 Forbidden City”.

Gao Yun(Nanjing)

Outstanding young Peking Opera performer, specialises in the hualian or‘painted face’role. He enrolled into Jiangsu Drama School and studied Peking opera as profession. He learned from various masters e.g. Fei Yu Ce, Yang Cai, Liu Hao etc. His famous works included: Stealing the Royal Horse,Assassinate Wangliao etc. “One Table Two Chairs” Experiments: <FIGHT ME NOW>

Cui Zhen (Contemporary Theatre/Beijing)

Graduated from Choreography profession in Xian Conservatory and continued to study contemporary ballet and explore contemporary theatre.