​"Itō Noe: On an Endless Road" (2023)
for satsuma biwa and voice (1 performer)
Music: Francesca Le Lohé
Words: excerpts from the writings of Itō Noe (1895-1923)
Duration: approx. 21 minutes 

World Premiere: 10/12/2023, Jiyugakuen, Tokyo, Japan. UK Tour (London/Manchester/Huddersfield/Leeds): 05/03/2024 - 12/03/2024. Developed in collaboration with and performed by Akiko Kubota. 

About "Itō Noe: On an Endless Road"
In the satsuma biwa tradition, performers recite tales of historical battles and warriors whilst accompanying themselves on the instrument. When studying the biwa, I began thinking of other kinds of ‘warriors’ and felt the biwa to be the perfect vehicle to engage new audiences with historical trailblazing women. This work celebrates the life of writer & feminist anarchist Itō Noe, killed by Japanese state forces when she was just 28.