Future Noh
Outline
Future Noh explores the intersection of tradition and technology by reimagining Japan’s 14th-century Noh theatre through digital innovation. This collaboration between Australian artists John McCormick and Chris Henschke and Japanese Noh masters/sensei Udaka Tatsushige and Udaka Keiko from the International Noh Institute (INI), with International partners Dr Travis Seifman of the Arts Research Centre (ARC) Ritsumeikan University, and Dr Diego Pellecchia of Kyoto Sangyo University, aims to preserve and reinterpret this iconic art form using motion capture, volumetric video, digital scanning and robotics. These technologies will record intricate movements, costumes, objects and musical accompaniments forming a foundation for an innovative reimagining of Noh.
Partners
Investigators
The project addresses the complex relationship between art and modern technology, posing the question of how digital tools such as Augmented Reality (AR) can respectfully enrich and sustain traditional artforms. The project seeks to inform robotics as a medium for documenting nuanced cultural performance, expanding the application of robotics in the cultural sector and in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
This work offers a significant contribution to cultural preservation and innovation, fostering cross-cultural exchange between Australia and Japan, and advancing the dialogue between heritage and technological innovation. It draws on Japan’s significant cultural history and showcases Australian and Japanese expertise in digital arts.
The Future Noh Project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-Japan Foundation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
