A Session for Doing Absolutely Nothing

Although the Japan premiere of John Cage’s “Water Walk” (a collaboration between Hitoshi Odajima, Nukeme and Kaido) had originally been planned as part of the event “John Cage Omizunomichi in SNAC,” the content of this performance was changed as a result of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11. As the prolonged aftershocks, planned blackouts, and suspension of public transportation continued, a temporary asylum of sorts came into being, where those who wanted to get together in a group did so, checking to see that everyone was alright, and taking part in a karaoke and chat session: in other words, a one-night-only piece of relational art. For this event, Mohri quickly made a “Seismograph with a Gong that Chimes When a Quake Hits,” and exhibited it. The following is a text posted on the website announcing the change in the event.

“There may be blackouts and train delays. As far as possible, travel light and dress warmly when leaving the house. Even better, take a flashlight and cold weather protective gear with you as a precaution. Drinks and light food will be provided, but contributions are welcome! We are thinking of serving beer, which apparently offers protection against radiation (really? If that’s the case, then we’re going to run out of our beloved beer…ok, low-malt beer then), and light refreshment, like (probably) kelp stock. We hope that this will be a long-awaited opportunity to get out of the house and have some fun. Those who live alone, those who want a breath of fresh air, or to chat with someone, please come and join us, and let’s share notes. /There is no cover charge, and we’ll probably start around 7PM. This will be a session for doing nothing, so something perhaps to look forward to…?!”