NOH (PINE) Provincelands, 002021

Super 8 film, 002021: An ephemeral projection of the pine (matsu in Japanese), cast by the sun, briefly centered on an empty stage at the foot of the Atlantic Ocean.

Provincelands Visitor Center, Cape Cod National Seashore, October 13th 002021, 6:40am-8:15am

Sunrise 6:51 am | Sunrise Azimuth 100 degrees E | Sun distance approximately 92,740,000 miles from Earth

On this day, a Noh pine moves across the center of an empty stage, animated by the moving light resulting from Earth’s continuous spinning and alignment with our nearest star.

After waiting one solar year for the precise alignment, a Sunworker is present for the brief performance.

*Noh is one of the longest surviving theatrical forms in the world, dating to the 14th century. In its earliest forms, Noh was performed outdoors for "gods"/ planetary forces. Noh performances include no scenery except for a single pine tree, painted on the back wall of the stage, symbolizing longevity and steadfastness.

At Takasago

A spring breeze in the pines blows as dusk falls,

And the temple bell on the peak echoes the close of the day.

The waves are hidden at the misty beach,

Their sound tells of the end and flow of the tide.

Whom shall I take as my friend?

- from Takasago (translated by Donald Keene) from No and Bunraku, Columbia University Press, 1990

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