About.
Born in Tokyo, JapanKen Nakajima is a movement director, stage director, and visual artist working in the fields of theatre & fashion, as well as any creative field he immerses himself in. His Practice (Synthesis) blends dance, theatre, and visual arts into a powerful language that conveys the poignant essence of human existence. Inspired by both Western and Eastern mythology, he crafts archetypal narratives using imagery as an engine of reflection for the spectator.
His creative journey began with notable roles in productions like Madam Butterfly, The Barber of Seville, Wozzeck, and Der Rosenkavalier, and more at the N.N.T.T (New National Theatre Tokyo). Starting as a competitive Hip-Hop dancer, he transitioned to Contemporary dance and Butoh, allowing him to experiment artistically with movement and materials.
He made his directorial debut An Odyssey (Teatro di Roma) at the Dominio Pubblico festival in Rome 2019, in association with State of the Art collective. He then directed his first independent show I’m Going Away Now (Gledališče Koper/Teatro Capodistria) in Slovenia, 2023.
As a Movement Director in theatre, he made his debut working with Colour Factory, which led him to work with the Royal Court Theatre, CPT, London Performance Studios, Omnibus Theatre, Obscura Theatre.
In fashion, his work has featured on VOGUE, DAZED, The Face Magazine, King Kong Magazine, SHOW STUDIOS, MOWALOLA , MAX FOUCAUT. He worked on his first run-way show at London Fashion Week 2023, collaborating with Estonian designer Johanna Parv.
As a Visual Artist, he has presented sculptural and performance works at Kopple Project, Slash Arts, DWIRL New York.
Ken completed his training at Central Saint Martins, graduating with a first-class degree in MA Performance Design and Practice, and BA Theatre Arts with a focus on Directing and Scenography.
Awards & Recognition
The Jamie Iddon Award for Emerging Artists 2024
"Ken Nakajima is a legend and icon.
- Frankie Baumer, Art Director. LNCC
"Ken’s work feels like something from a music video, or a Derek Jarmen film, a figure on a beach comes to mind. The suit and lack of collar on the shirt ebbs a 90s aesthetic which still feels fresh and relevant today.
- Sophie Risner, Curator
"Nakajima is amongst a generation of fresh new theatre artists paving the way, showing others how they can use hybrid to adapt in foreign circumstances.
- Alliya Sophia Bouyis, CENT Magazine
Press.
Interview: How to survive your first year in the Sector - https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/schools-out-new-graduates-on-how-to-survive-your-first-year-in-the-sector
Blog Post: “Not Your Average Suits Series" https://sirplus.co.uk/blogs/journal/not-your-average-suits-series-ken-nakajima
Interview: “I Was Just Wondering” Podcast // https://youtu.be/yIi5guf3usQ
Interview: ACSENDING DESIGN Magazine // https://www.ascendingdesign.org/?page_id=20231
Interview: CENT Magazine // https://centmagazine.co.uk/synthesis-theatre/
Interview: OSTRICH Magazine // https://ostrichmagazine.com/performance/kennakajima