Japan world premiere for Hastings composer's new work

The world premiere of Ismanien, a major new contemporary ballet by Hastings-based British-Argentine composer Polo Piatti, will take place in Osaka, Japan, on September 19 and 20, bringing together an international creative team from the United Kingdom, Japan and Sweden in an inspiring celebration of artistic collaboration.

Presented by Morinomiya Arts and produced by the Niconimiel Dance Company, Ismanien explores themes of memory, identity, loss and self-discovery through a compelling fusion of music, dance and visual art, Polo says.

“The production features choreography by celebrated Japanese choreographer Mayu Uesugi, based on an original idea by Swedish artist Ida Haag, with the ballet adaptation by British actress, former dancer and writer Martina Mars whose theatrical and dance experience helped shape the work for the stage.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ismanien is the story behind its creation.

When work began, Polo spoke no Japanese and Mayu Uesugi spoke no English. Despite the obvious challenges, the two artists gradually built a close creative partnership through translators, patience, determination and an unwavering belief in their shared artistic vision.

As Polo says: “The collaboration stands as a powerful reminder that music, dance and imagination can transcend language, geography and cultural boundaries.”

Widely recognised for his lyrical and emotionally expressive musical language, Polo has created a richly atmospheric score that combines sweeping orchestral colours with moments of profound intimacy.

His music has been praised internationally for its melodic beauty, dramatic intensity and cinematic imagination, providing an ideal foundation for a ballet that seeks to communicate directly through emotion.

Reflecting on the collaboration, choreographer and artistic director of the Niconimiel Dance Company, Mayu Uesugi said: “I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to create a new contemporary ballet together with Polo Piatti. Polo's music possesses a rare and profound beauty. It awakens the imagination, inspires creativity and invites movement with remarkable grace. Listening to his compositions, I often feel that the choreography already exists within the music itself, quietly waiting to be revealed through dance.

“I look forward to bringing this shared artistic vision to life together.”

For Polo, Ismanien represents far more than the premiere of a new ballet: “One of the greatest privileges of composing is discovering that artistic understanding transcends language, geography and cultural differences.

“When Mayu and I began working together, neither of us spoke the other's language. At first, that seemed an enormous obstacle.

“Yet through translators, patience and a shared commitment to the work, we gradually discovered that music, imagination and mutual trust communicate far more deeply than words ever could. I believe our collaboration demonstrates that when artists share the same vision and genuine respect for one another, even the greatest distances and language barriers simply cease to matter.

“The production also celebrates the enduring value of international cultural exchange. Bringing together artists from Britain, Japan and Sweden, Ismanien demonstrates how creativity can unite people from different cultures in the pursuit of a common artistic goal.”

Coinciding with the world premiere, the complete orchestral score of Ismanien will also be released as a commercial recording, allowing audiences around the world to experience Polo’s music beyond the theatre.

Performances will be on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 at the Dawn Center, Osaka, Japan.