Butoh is an experimental modern dance style originating in Japan in 1959. Sankai Juku from Japan and France is responsible for exporting butoh to the world beginning in the early 1980s. Their style is one of the most refined and elegant - they are a great introduction to the genre. It is extremely rare for groups from Japan to tour the US. There are occasional events in Portland and Seattle by local or visiting solo performers.
Sankai Juku was founded in 1975 by Amagatsu, who cofounded Dairakudakan with Akaji Maro. Maro was an early friend and collaborator with butoh's originator, Hijikata. Video excerpts of all their performances are widely available on the Internet.
Amagatsu brought the first butoh to the West in 1980. In 1985, one of their dancers fell to their death in a public outdoor performance produced by a friend in Seattle. The group almost disbanded in grief. They did not. In turn, the Seattle audience and the performers have an emotional relationship that is palpable.
For three evenings Sankai Juku returns to Seattle, with Meguri: Teeming Sea, Tranquil Land. The set resembles the sculptural relief backdrop of Shijima, updated to reference the sub-ocean deposits of fossils. The stage references the water of Unetsu.
Sankai Juku at the University of Washington World Series https://meanycenter.org/tickets/2019-10/production/sankai-juku Meany Hall UW Campus 8PM $61-69
