John Moran And His Neighbour Saori, The Nightingale Theatre, Brighton, May 18 and 19 (From The Argus)

John Moran And His Neighbour Saori, The Nightingale Theatre, Brighton, May 18 and 19

10:54am Friday 15th May 2009 in Stage By Ian Ray

A chance encounter between the acclaimed composer and the Japanese-born dancer who would soon become his muse has resulted in this intriguing, indefinable performance piece.

Moran has built a reputation on innovative, large-scale operas with big names attached (Uma Thurman, Allen Ginsberg), but has made what he says is a permanent transition to a more intimate combination of theatre, music and dance that features only himself and dancer Saori Tsukada.

“I would have a very difficult time going back. I would miss the eye contact, the gentle measuring of reactions, staying connected,” he says.

The piece has baffled as many reviewers as it has impressed, and Moran – whose long-term mentor is the revered American composer Philip Glass – acknowledges its experimental approach.

“Our format [which includes stories, sketches and excerpts from his operas] seems to take people by surprise – so they tell us anyway.

I think we’re an unusual combination of very serious work presented casually, and the itself sets things into a sort of new point of view for audiences.”

His stage partner and “formal muse” for the past four years is Tsukada, who Moran met in New York.

“I was in a deep depression at one point, and hadn’t created anything for a year,” he says.

“I saw Saori on the street, in front of my house. Now, I’ve worked with a lot of dancers, so I can usually spot a talented one from a mile away. Later I broke the ice by saying I guessed she was a dancer, and that I’d like her to come on tour with me and, strange girl, she said yes.”

• Starts 8.15pm, tickets cost £8.50/£6.50. Call 01273 709709.

• For a glimpse of the show, visit www.myspace.com/johnmoranandsaori