A groundbreaking collaboration is underway, bringing together composer Keiichiro Shibuya and renowned choreographer Sir Wayne McGregor. Announced at a press conference on June 10, 2025, this project marks an international partnership that aims to create a unique theatrical work. Shibuya, known for his innovative electronic compositions, will collaborate with McGregor, who is the resident choreographer for the Royal Ballet in the UK and the dance director of the Venice Biennale.
Scheduled for its world premiere in 2027, this project represents a diverse intersection of music, dance, visual arts, AI, and technology. The production will feature dancers from Company Wayne McGregor along with Shibuya’s latest creation, ANDROID MARIA, an android that embodies the essence of modern performance art.
The set design will be crafted by Kazuyo Sejima, a celebrated architect who has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Pritzker Prize and the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Royal Gold Medal in 2025. Sejima’s involvement promises to add an extraordinary visual dimension to this collaborative effort.
Prior to this announcement, Shibuya conducted a significant collaboration performance with five dancers from Company Wayne McGregor in Osaka, which served as a pivotal step toward the upcoming work. Details regarding performances in Europe, including the UK, will be revealed in 2026, emphasizing the preparation for the 2027 debut.
Shibuya and McGregor's project aims to push the boundaries of contemporary performance, transcending genres and geographical boundaries. Shibuya expressed his excitement during the press conference, stating, "I am genuinely thrilled to create new work with Studio Wayne McGregor. I have been an admirer of Sir Wayne's work for a long time, and I look forward to seeing the interaction brought about through the collaboration with Kazuyo Sejima."
In discussing support for young creators, Shibuya noted, "In the age of AI, younger creators often have advantageous perspectives. I want to move beyond a typical teacher-student relationship and work together to realize this project." The initiative receives support from the Cultural Arts Activity Foundation, which aims to enhance the development of young Japanese artists and creators while fostering international collaborations.
Project Overview:
Composer: Keiichiro Shibuya
Director/Choreographer: Wayne McGregor
Performers: Company Wayne McGregor, ANDROID MARIA, among others
Set Design: Kazuyo Sejima (Kazuyo Sejima Architecture Design Office)
Co-Produced by: ATAK, Studio Wayne McGregor
Presented by: Attack Tokyo Co., Ltd.
Grant: Cultural Arts Activity Foundation
About the Artists:
Keiichiro Shibuya: Born in Tokyo in 1973, Shibuya’s works span experimental electronic music, piano solos, opera, film scores, and sound installations. He has cultivated a unique artistic space, presenting performances featuring AI technology and robotics, notably his acclaimed android opera, "Scary Beauty," which debuted in 2018. Shibuya continues to explore the boundaries of technology, life, and art.
Sir Wayne McGregor: An internationally recognized choreographer and director, McGregor leads Studio Wayne McGregor, where he promotes innovative collaborations across disciplines, including dance, film, and technology. He has received numerous awards for his dance works and was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2011 for his services to dance.
Kazuyo Sejima: A leading architect who co-founded SANAA, Sejima is celebrated for her designs that seamlessly blend architecture and landscape. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Pritzker Prize, and is known for her significant contributions to contemporary architecture, including the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa.
This project promises to be a landmark event in contemporary performance, merging the artistic visions of Japan and the UK, and aiming to inspire future creative generations.