Ishin-denshin (以心伝心)

DIRECTOR/PRODUCER/PERFORMER/SOUND DESIGN

Inshin-denshin is a multidisciplinary theatre performance exploring the Japanese concept of Ishin-denshin (以心伝心) - "to convey heart-to-heart without words." Conceived, choreographed, performed and sound designed by Lucia Dwyer, the work was performed at the Granary Theatre in Cork in September 2024.

The performance unfolds across three movements: The Initial Connection, The Exploration, and The Repercussion, each delving deeper into the subtle nuances of non-verbal understanding. Two dancers trace a partially improvised choreography of gestures, tension and release. Guided by a red rope strung between opposing poles, symbolising the red thread of fate.

Dwyer’s live theremin performance and pre-recorded piano improvisations by Japanese jazz composer Yoko Taguma build an immersive, reactive soundscape. The theremin, played without touch, becomes both a sonic and symbolic tool, capturing the essence of communication through intuition and proximity.

Projected as part of the performance, a short film directed by Lucía features bodies engaging in a physical dialogue of both body and language, drawing from Tomaso Binga’s body alphabet. The film expands the narrative beyond the stage, allowing the visual language to mirror the performers' gestures in a mirrored, cinematic dimension.

Layered with field recordings, electronic textures, and vocal fragments, the sound design explores the ephemeral and intangible connections we find on earth.