The Kyoto Experiment (KEX) performing arts festival is marking the beginning of a new era. Not only does it have three new program directors at the helm, it also has a fresh logo and renewed focus on experimentation to boot. Despite a four-month delay due to the spread of COVID-19, the 11th edition of KEX is set to run from Feb. 6 to March 28.
Ever since Yusuke Hashimoto, the former director who stepped down in 2019 after a 10-year reign, launched KEX in 2010, the festival has become a major cultural event, as well as a forum for freedom of expression. Now, with Yoko Kawasaki, Yuya Tsukahara and Juliet Reiko Knapp leading the team, this year¡¯s program will bring the festival¡¯s keyword ¡ª experiment ¡ª back to the forefront.
During early discussions about shaping their first edition, the directors asked themselves, ¡°What relationship should this experimental festival have with the city of Kyoto, the Kansai region and beyond?¡± and ¡°What does it mean to create performance experiments in a time of crisis?¡±
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.