Roman Eagle Lodge at 11.00am
Aug 2-27 (11:00)

Magis Mutus Quam Piscis

Japan, and Japanese culture, has fascinated and intrigued me since I was a young boy. Japan’s wildlife, customs, fauna, costumes, and not forgetting the trade-market Cherry Blossum, has found a special place in my heart, so hearing about In/Outside: Visible Things, it grabbed my attention like a puppy dog being given his first treat. Excitement was an understatement! It felt like I was wearing a blindfold as I really didn’t know what to expect from the piece’s creator and performer, Chiharu Kuronuma.

Calligraphy, which in its own right is beautiful was a highlight of her show, and this aroused a deep curiosity within me. Chiharu is from Yokohama, 20 miles outside the world’s largest city, Tokyo, and has travelled 1,000s of miles to The Edinburgh Fringe for the first time to entertain and give us a taste of Japan’s past and present. C – ARTS venue in Johnston Terrace, a stone,s throw away from Edinburgh Castle seemed like the perfect location for bringing two ancient cultures together, under the gaze of Edinburgh’s most iconic tourist attraction. Japan and Scotland united in the love of the Arts was my immediate thought.

The hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile soon disappeared on entering the quiet haven of the Roman Eagle Lodge. A tranquility descended over the room as the door closed and darkness filled the small, but quaint, auditorium. At the flick of a light switch, one solo light appeared and the silent Chiharu eloquently glided onto the stage like a silk-worm weaving its magic. The room was silent and all present gazed at Chiharu with anticipation. This is visual art with a deep meaning and message.

Silence is the power of silent words and I felt Chiharu captured that from the outset. Theatrical Dance creates an inner connection and evokes a calmness of a near meditative state, and I felt this in abundance as the ambient music score, soft and embodied, swept over me with the fingers of peacefulness.

Beautifully choreographed, Chiharu’s journey through physical movement explores the In/Outside of the human soul. An artist, a moving frame, paint brushes, ink and paper are the staple of this show, which feeds the audiences imagination with mysterious thoughts. Stunning, enchanting, moving, thought-provoking and with a sprinkle of mystery, this is an Oriental masterpiece. With every brush-stroke, wrist, and hand movement, it seemed like ink was walking on water. The power of Calligraphy needs no voice and was visible to see through the projection of stillness. Silence is a gift in times of chaotic noise and Chiharu has embodied this in dance & art. Expression without words! What can I say ? Heart-warming and endearing, I left in a better place than when I arrived.

Raymond Speedie