What we do

“The last Geishas”(recreated version) the Festival d'Automne in Paris

  • Organization : Hydroblast
  • Section : International project
  • Type of Grant Program : Single
  • Art Forms : Theater

Outline

This documentary performance piece critically examines the vanishing geisha culture from a contemporary perspective while maintaining deep respect for tradition. The work is based on extensive training and research conducted in actual banquet rooms and ozashiki settings to gain an authentic understanding of geisha culture. Following its premiere in Tokyo in 2022, the piece was recreated and presented as a new work at the international Festival d’Automne in Paris. Given the prevalence of stereotypes surrounding geisha culture, both in Japan and abroad, this production seeks to challenge these preconceptions and offer a deeper cultural context for European audiences. The performance received significant acclaim. The cast featured main performers Kyoko Takenaka and Shingo Ota, with live music by renowned musician Kazuhisa Uchihashi. For the presentations, the production welcomed Hidemi, the last geisha of Kinosaki, as a special guest. A post-performance with her was held as a part of the related programs. And additional events, including film screenings, a photography exhibition and Artist-Audience exchange events were organized to further deepen the audience’s understanding of geisha culture.

Profile

Hydroblast
Established in 2019 by film director Shingo Ota as an organization for film/theater director. Kyoko Takenaka joined as a producer since 2022. The role of each project will be defined, aiming to create works with a multifaceted perspective. Hydroblast is a cleaning method in which high pressure water is used to remove grime and hard deposits from surfaces. It is mainly used to remove road markings, graffitis but has since become a tool used to clean contaminated metal wastes from nuclear power plants. As a company, HydroBlast wishes to use art as such a tool to remove all boundaries, stereotypes, discriminations and prejudices from society and ensure that theater is a place for diversity.

Contact

Shingo Ota
Executive Director
Hydroblast
c/o Dudes inc. 3-48-5, Honcho, Shibuya-ku 151-0071, Tokyo
+81 (0)708470908
info@hydroblast.asia

Venues

La Maison de la Culture du Japon, Paris France