Adapted from ‘In Praise of Shadows’ by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki
Considered one of the leading figures of Japanese art and specifically, literature, Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s seminal essay, In Praise of Shadows is a cornerstone literature on Japanese Aesthetic scholarship.
This short essay, written in 1933 discusses the distinct, subtle nature of Japanese aesthetic sensibility, in comparison, or compromise with the Western, ‘way of the world’ scientific change and progress.
Tanizaki brings to the reader’s notice the subtlety and nuance so revered in Japanese perception, poetry, art, food and philosophy. He laments the scientific progress of humanity dominated by a Western linear thinking which, in its quest for light and clarity, has lost the subtle beauty of shadows and darkness, so cherished in Eastern art and literature.
By highlighting the ‘Eastern mentality’ of ‘seeking our satisfactions in whatever surroundings we happen to find ourselves in, to content ourselves with things as they are… if light is scarce, then light is scarce, we will immerse ourselves in darkness, and there discover its own particular beauty’ in contrast to the ‘progressive Western’ always ‘determined to better his lot’, Tanizaki comments upon the importance of the ancient Japanese ‘wabi-sabi’ philosophy.
Tanizaki’s almost hundred year-old essay is a uniquely enlightening piece for it’s light makes the shadows better visible, giving a rare insight into the perception of the world painted through darkness, rather than light, through the shine of grime and dirt, rather than cleanliness and perfection.
Dr. Omkar Bhatkar , the Artistic Director of Metamorphosis Theatre and Films For the past ten years, he has been exploring poetry as a performance and has been able to create an aesthetic sensibility beyond genres at the crossroads of theatre, dance, film, and poetry. His present exploration of Tanizaki’s seminal essay brings together the philosophical study of beauty on stage using film and theatre.
Performed On Thursday, 12th September- 6:30 pm; At the Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA
Performed on September 12, 2024 6:30 PM
NCPA LIBRARY & METAMORPHOSIS THEATRE INC. PRESENTATION