Drums at Esplanade Recital Studio

Two of the most exciting directors from Japan and Singapore, Shigeki Nakano and Chong Tze Chien, inject their bold and invigorating interpretations of the modern noh (a form of theatre orginating in the 14th century) classic, The Damask Drum, by Yukio Mishima.

Regarded as the father of modern noh drama, Mishima’s adaptation from the original tale by 14th century playwright Zeami Motokiyo, centres around an old man's infatuation with a beautiful neighbour. This results in his suicide when the latter and her associates play a nasty trick on him, making him perform an impossible task in exchange for a kiss.

Presented as a double bill, each director brings his own perspective and group of actors into this dark piece about obsession, cruelty, and the weight of our actions, which can sometimes return to haunt us.