Born in Tokyo, Japan
About.
Ken Nakajima is a movement director, theatre director, and visual artist working in the fields of theatre & fashion, and contemporary performance. 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 that explore iconoclasm, image and philosophy.
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.
As a movement director in theatre, his approach is deeply rooted in contemporary dance, butoh, and physical theatre. His career began at the Royal Court Theatre, where his style quickly garnered attention and led to collaborations with venues, including Colour Factory, Camden People’s Theatre, London Performance Studios, Omnibus Theatre, and Theatre by the Lake.
In fashion, his work has been featured in prominent publications and platforms including The Face Magazine, King Kong Magazine, VOGUE Magazine, DAZED, SHOW STUDIOS, and brands like JADED London, Alyssa Marie Groeneveld, MOWALOLA and MAX FOUCAUT. His contributions have also been showcased at London Fashion Week, for Johanna Parv.
As a stage director, 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. He made his debut in London with SEEKING SHADOWS (Rich Mix) in 2024 which earned him a 4/5 star review.
As a Visual Artist, he has presented sculptural and performance works at Kopple Project, Slash Arts, DWIRL New York, Tate Modern, Candid Arts Gallery.
Ken completed his studies at Central Saint Martins, graduating with a first-class degree in MA Performance Design and Practice.
Awards & Recognition
The Jamie Iddon Award for Emerging Artists 2024
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
Press.
"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