ATAK, founded by Japanese composer Keiichiro Shibuya, is proud to announce a new international co-production with the globally acclaimed Studio Wayne McGregor, founded by SIR Wayne McGregor—a multi-award-winning British choreographer and director internationally renowned for his trailblazing innovations in performance, which have radically redefined dance in the modern era. He serves as Artistic Director of Studio Wayne McGregor, Resident Choreographer of The Royal Ballet and Artistic Director of Dance at La Biennale di Venezia. The world premiere is scheduled in 2027, with the participation of internationally acclaimed dancers of Company Wayne McGregor.

This new production marks the first major collaboration between composer Keiichiro Shibuya and choreographer and director SIR Wayne McGregor. It will explore innovative stage expression that transcend linguistic and media boundaries through music, voice, dance, body and AI/technology.

The production will include performances by dancers from Company Wayne McGregor, as well as the newly created android MARIA produced by Shibuya. The stage design is planned to be led by world-renowned architect Kazuyo Sejima (SANAA), recipient of the 2025 RIBA Royal Gold Medal.

Prior to the announcement, Shibuya and five dancers from Company Wayne McGregor held their first collaborative performance in Osaka—a meaningful step forward in the creative development of the piece.

Further details on performances across Europe, including the United Kingdom, are expected to be announced in 2026. The production is moving forward, aiming for a world premiere in 2027.

This unprecedented collaboration between leading figures in music, choreography, stage design and technology promises to be a groundbreaking artistic endeavour that redefines the possibilities of contemporary performance.

At the press conference, Keiichiro Shibuya commented:

“I’m truly delighted to be collaborating with Studio Wayne McGregor on a new creation in this way. I am deeply honored to be working with Sir Wayne McGregor and Ms. Kazuyo Sejima, whose artistic visions I greatly admire. Through this international project, I also hope to help cultivate emerging creators and provide opportunities for the next generation of talent to learn meaningfully on a global stage.”

This project is supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of the Government of Japan, the project aims to contribute to the global performing arts landscape through the creation of a highly interdisciplinary, artistically ambitious work. At the same time, it offers a valuable opportunity for emerging Japanese artists and production staff to gain international experience and creative insight.