At the Philharmonie de Paris in September 2023, Noh theatre offered a rare immersion into Japanese tradition, with pieces such as Hagoromo, Tsuchigumo, and Aoi no Ue, blending spiritual drama and poetic staging. This small photo work extends that experience upstream: in Kyoto, I met the actors in their preparation, as well as the artisans, costume makers and mask craftsmen who give form to this centuries-old art.
Through repeated gestures, materials, and silences, the series explores what happens behind the scenes.
Workshop where costumes for Noh performances are made.
An employee works at a loom in a workshop producing costumes for Noh theatre.
An employee works at a loom in a workshop producing costumes for Noh theatre.
An employee works at a loom in a workshop producing costumes for Noh theatre.
Spools of weaving thread in a workshop producing costumes for Noh theatre.
An employee works at a loom in a workshop producing costumes for Noh theatre.
An employee works at a loom in a workshop producing costumes for Noh theatre.
Spools of weaving thread in a workshop producing costumes for Noh theatre.
Noh mask master sculptor Ohtsuki Koukun in his workshop in Kyoto.
Noh mask master sculptor Ohtsuki Koukun in his workshop in Kyoto.
Noh mask master sculptor Ohtsuki Koukun in his workshop in Kyoto.
Noh mask master sculptor Ohtsuki Koukun in his workshop in Kyoto.
Kuroemon Katayama rehearses his role in “Funa-Benkei” at his school in Kyoto, Japan.
Kuroemon Katayama rehearses his role in “Funa-Benkei” at his school in Kyoto, Japan.
Kuroemon Katayama poses for a portrait at his school in Kyoto, Japan.
Two actors rehearse one last time before departing for Paris.
Two actors rehearse one last time before departing for Paris.
Kuroemon Katayama in the costume and mask of “Funa-Benkei,” on stage in Kyoto, Japan, during the final rehearsal.
Kuroemon Katayama in the costume and mask of “Funa-Benkei,” on stage in Kyoto, Japan, during the final rehearsal.