Charles Quevillon

Residency Program

Institutional Recommendation Program

update: 2019.10.24


Charles Quevillon

Participating ProjectInstitutional Recommendation Program
Activity BasedCanada
CityTokyo
Period2016.9 - 2016.11
Purpose of the residency

In the next two years, I'm planning to write a chamber opera of 90 minutes for 3 singers, 3 musicians, and 4 dancers. This work will be premiered in 2018 at the National Art Center in Ottawa, Canada. Tedd Robinson will be choreographing this opera in which we are revisiting the story of Madame Butterfly by Puccini. It's very important for me to begin the process with a intensive work period. The residence in Tokyo Wonder Site seems a perfect opportunity since the knowledge of the country culture is essential to the work in order to avoid the cliché. I'm especially interested in the zen Buddhism culture of Tokyo and the contrast with his vibrant urban life.

Plan during the residency

The main focus of this residency is to set-up the basic of this new opera. It will therefore be necessary for me to attend as much concerts of traditional and modern concert and performances. Visiting Buddhism temple and practicing zen meditation is also primordial since the opera will be set in a temple. Apart from getting inspired by this city, I'm looking forward to create short performances each week in order to apply and transform the information gather throughout the week. I'm also planning to learn traditional instrument (Shakuhachi, Sho and Koto).

Creator Information

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