MESSAGE15

ダンスとは、「祈り」をやっている感覚森山 開次 舞踊家

'Dancing' for me feels very much as if I'm 'praying'MORIYAMA Kaiji Choreographer & Dancer

Hi, I’m MORIYAMA Kaiji. Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the New National Theatre!

【Memorable pieces】

For me, every dance leaves a big impression and creates memories, but I would say dancing my first piece “Yoroboshi” with KAGAYA Kaori as part of “Afternoon of Fauns and Nymphs” was the most memorable of all. Being commissioned to create a new dance piece and then asking TSUMURA Reijiro, a prominent Noh player, to perform in it with us was such an exciting experience.

【Reaction to pieces performed】

When we presented “Circus”, our approach was to have a bit of fun by going back to a child-like mentality. I think this appealed directly to children as well. I was very happy when we managed to create a show where both adults and children could share the same space. It felt as a good idea to go back to my own childhood, and the production provided the opportunity to think of ways in which contemporary dance can reach out to children.

【The role of the theatre】

I see it as a place for meeting people. We go to the theatre to see and meet different people; people appearing on stage, people who come to the theatre, and people watching people on stage. In times when virtual effects become ever more advanced, at the end of the day, I want the theatre to be a place where people watch and meet other people. I never wanted to be a dancer, but feel very strongly that something led me to become one. ‘Dancing’ for me feels very much as if I’m ‘praying’. We all have our bodies and express things with them. Seeing a dance performance is like witnessing something that is about to begin, and the form doesn’t have to be anything particularly special.