Sadler's Wells Butoh Collaboration Project

A butoh (Japanese avant-garde dance) company founded in 1975 by Ohno Yoshito, a disciple of Tatsumi Hijikata. They explore extreme expressions of body and space, earning international recognition at major theater festivals with productions like 'Phoenix.' Instrumental in establishing butoh as a recognized art form on the world stage, influencing contemporary dance globally.

Butoh, an avant-garde dance form initiated by Hijikata Tatsumi in the 1960s, explores primal human physicality and taboo themes. Multiple companies including Sankai Juku and Suzuki's troupe pursue different artistic directions. Characterized by white-painted makeup, unconventional body movement, and distinctive soundscapes, butoh embodies philosophical depth absent from Western dance traditions. Considered for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designation.

An avant-garde dance form originated in Japan during the 1960s, Butoh uses white-painted bodies and deliberate, flowing movements to express inner emotions and social themes. Multiple lineages extend from pioneers like Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno to contemporary practitioners. It continues to exert profound influence on theatrical and performance arts both domestically and internationally.

A contemporary dance art created by Hijikata Tatsumi in the 1960s. It rejects conventional dance concepts, featuring extreme physical expression and dark themes. Characterized by white makeup and unique body language, it expresses human essence, death, and transformation. Recognized internationally as avant-garde performance art with profound philosophical depth.

A contemporary Butoh group inheriting Hijikata Tatsumi's Ankoku Butoh philosophy. The Byakko Company fuses avant-garde physical expression with philosophical inquiry, performing groundbreaking works domestically and internationally. Their exploration of Butoh's diverse possibilities has influenced Western contemporary dance scenes.

An avant-garde dance art pioneered by Tatsumi Hijikata. Emphasizing improvisation and body expression beyond traditional dance. Called 'Ankoku Butoh,' it leads global contemporary dance movements. Internationally acclaimed as cutting-edge Japanese art.