Presence. Movement. Encounter.
The films gathered in the Live & Performance category emerge from the living, breathing reality of rope practice. Whether filmed during performances, demonstrations or artistic explorations, they capture moments that exist first in bodies, space and relationships.
Through movement, tension and connection, these works capture the unique dialogue between performers, rope and audience, revealing shibari as a living and evolving artistic practice.
Purgation of chrysanthemums
By Jerut Tali - With Jerut Tali and BSB1295 - (Malaysia)
He came seeking penance for a heart that wandered too far from the sutras.
He thought he would find forgiveness in the sting of the rope and the scent of bruised petals. But in the suspension, between the strain of the jute and the silence of the hall, he found something older than scripture. A truth written not in ink, but in the space between one breath and the next.
In the end, it wasn’t a punishment, it was an awakening.
RopeTeaTime Studio 2nd Year Anniversary Performance Night
Triton
By Raphaël Nuziere - With Juliette and Sha - (Belgium)
The newt is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Within this still-empty space, Sha and Juliette meet. The ropes support the ascent, a hand supports a face. They quickly grow familiar with one another, and from their exploration, photosynthesis emerges.
Le malfini
By Jmissa Jmissa - With LaMonstera and Sweetaholik_ - (Martinique)
This short video piece captures a moment of rope and connection. Through her work, LaMonstera creates a dialogue between the surrounding environment, her partner, and the experiences lived during her time on the island of Martinique.
Butokabakushi
By Yin Rudaturma - With Yin Rudaturma and Exyoxs - (Argentina)
Experimental ritual of Shibari, Butoh, and clay.
On bonding
By Ursinae Vesperal - With Baby Godzilla and Ursinae Vesperal - (Canada)
Experiments on ropes, connection and power dynamics.
First time - First tie
By Simone Panattoni - With Laodai and Nana Blondi - (Italy)
In a night in Milan, Laodai and Nana tie together for the first time ever, and they do it in front of a live audience. With no rehearsal or any previous touch before, rope becomes a language of trust, tension, and mutual listening. The performance captures the fragile yet powerful moment when two strangers let their defenses fall, allowing their bodies and hearts to connect through the act of tying.
