20 October 2001

by Philippe Cherbonnier (after Akutagawa)

Directed by Kwong Loke, Kumiko Mendl & David K.S. Tse
Movement direction by Tom Wu
Lyrics (original songs) by Kazuko Hohki
Designed by Kimie Nakano
Lighting by Douglas Kuhrt
Incidental Music by Guy Tambling & Philippe Cherbonnier
Additional Music (songs) by Clive Bell
Performed by Kazuko Hohki, Kwong Loke, Kumiko Mendl, David K.S. Tse & Tom Wu

Does the truth exist objectively...outside our perception of it? Memories are so uncertain, so corrupted.

Rashomon explores the deceptive nature of truth and is inspired by Kurosawa's Oscar-winning film of the same name (after Akutagawa's original story, Yabu no Naka)

Rashomon is a detective story. A husband and wife tell their versions of what happened when they are conned by a malevolent traveller. There was a brutal rape and a horrific murder - but who did what and to whom? And what does the traveller himself have to say?

As the different stories unfold to reveal more about the characters involved, the mystery deepens. The community is so gripped by the story that even the local theatre produces a play about this infamous crime, hoping to shed light on the case.

Kwong Loke, Kumiko Mendl & David K.S. Tse will each take one of the three stories and direct it from that character's perspective, using a range of theatrical styles from East and West. Tom Wu will draw on his martial arts techniques to choreograph the exciting sword fight sequences and Philippe Cherbonnier plays with the written form to convey different perspectives, connecting past and present.

Kazuko Hohki (of The Frank Chickens and the recent hit show, My Husband is a Spaceman) will comment on the action through song to give a modern female take on this ancient tale. Her long-term collaborator Clive Bell will compose the songs and Guy Tambling has created an atmospheric soundtrack, working closely with the writer. Kimie Nakano will create a minimalist, symbolic set inspired by the Rashomon gate and the Japanese Noh stage, while Douglas Kuhrt will light each character's stories differently to suggest alternative realities.

Established in 1995,Yellow Earth Theatre produces high quality physical ensemble work that draws inspiration from East Asian performance, integrating theatrical skills learnt in the West.

David K.S. Tse is artistic director of Yellow Earth and has recently directed PLAY TO WIN, a co-production with Soho Theatre Co. and winner of Sainsbury's Checkout Theatre Award. Tom Wu is Movement Director for Yellow Earth and is a Gold Medallist in Martial Arts. Kwong Loke specialises in Balinese dance theatre and is a core member of Yellow Earth. Kumiko Mendl trained at Jacques Lecoq and is a core member of Yellow Earth.