ARIKA (Whereabouts): A pursuit of Contemporary Dance, Rap and Words

One may think contemporary dance and rap would have little in common, but SHIMAJI Yasutake and TAMAKI ROY prove otherwise. Breaking down the boundaries of traditional art forms, the two Japanese artists, prominent in their own fields, join forces to pioneer a new style of live performance in the acclaimed ARIKA which will make its Asian debut outside Japan after performances in both Japan and France.

SHIMAJI, a dancer with the world-renowned Forsythe Company for nine years, has a background in ballet, hip-hop dance and karate. TAMAKI ROY, his collaborator, is adept at atmospheric arrangements with rapped and sung verses. The cerebral depth of his work set him apart in Japan’s music scene.

For this atypical and poetic collaboration, the two artists question the origins of dance and music through a series of improvisations. Finding common ground through the word ARIKA (whereabouts), the two artists explore the origin of dance, rhythm and words. Which one of the three first appeared in the world? As humans evolve, did they emerge simultaneously?

With these imaginations and musings, the duo lead the audience in search of the origins of dance and music in a primitive world where improvised movements, sounds, voices and rhythms intertwine. Shimaji's virtuoso dance, both fluid and well-paced, gliding harmoniously over the soothing flow of Tamaki ROY, who also lends his body language to the hip-hop performance.

Full of moments of subtle tensions and infinite sparks, the two artists collide, transforming and displacing each other, and engage in a clash between the best of different genres.

Direction, Choreography and Performance: SHIMAJI Yasutake

Direction, Composition and Performance: TAMAKI ROY

Sound Design: Naoto OKA

Production Manager: Yoshinori SEKOGUCHI

Stage Manager: Takeshi MINE

Lighting: Akari TAKAMI

Sound Operator : Akinobu ADACHI

Producer: Eri KARATSU

Tour Coordinator: Marika NIKO

Planning and Production: Aichi Prefectural Art Theater

Cooperation: Dance Base Yokohama

Tickets available at art-mate.net from 4 March 2025

Patrons may enjoy one of the below discount schemes for each purchase where applicable, available on a first-come-first-served basis:

• 40% off for Senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and their minder, full-time students;
• Members of TK FAN are entitled to 15% off on regularly-priced tickets. Download the Tai Kwun App to get the promo-code now.

SPOTLIGHT: A Season of Performing Arts 2025 Package:

• 5% off upon single purchase of standard ticket from 2 different programmes
• 10% off upon single purchase of standard ticket from 3 different programmes
• 15% off upon single purchase of standard ticket from 4 different programmes

Tai Kwun has been dedicated to nurturing performing arts talents in Hong Kong since its opening in 2018. Through commissioning, interdisciplinary and site-specific works were developed to respond to Tai Kwun’s unique background and environment, embodying the story and identity of Hong Kong in the language of theatre, dance, music and more.

The Season is also a platform to foster international collaboration and exchange between Hong Kong and overseas artists. Outstanding international productions are adapted to Tai Kwun and Hong Kong’s context and presented in joint efforts with local artists, creating cultural and artistic synergy.

Accolades of Tai Kwun commissioned works

The Message Behind The Wall by 198491 (2018 Dance Season)
2019 Hong Kong Dance Awards – “Outstanding Small Venue Production”

Diary VII • The Story Of...... (SPOTLIGHT: A Season of Performing Arts 2021)
2022 Hong Kong Dance Awards - “Outstanding Choreography” and “Outstanding Small Venue Production”

The Inner Études (SPOTLIGHT: A Season of Performing Arts 2021)
2022 Golden Pin Design Award – “Mark Winner, Integration Design”

Since When (SPOTLIGHT: A Season of Performing Arts 2023)
2023 CASH Golden Sail Music Awards – “Best Serious Composition”