Experience the captivating Butoh performance in Cape Town
Yukio Suzuki is a leading contemporary Butoh artist and choreographer.
Image: Supplied.
Renowned South African choreographer, academic researcher, and theatre-maker jackï job is set to unveil a captivating exploration of artistic engagement through her latest collaboration, 1–2–3 As One: A Japanese-South African Butoh Experience. Scheduled for performances on 5 and 6 December at The Little Theatre on Hiddingh Campus in Cape Town, this momentous event invites audiences to delve into the powerful realms of Butoh—a form of Japanese contemporary dance theatre.
In collaboration with esteemed Butoh artists Mitsuyo Uesugi and Yukio Suzuki, this presentation highlights a unique synthesis of cultures, dance, and states of being. Marking the first-time appearance of this trio in South Africa, 1–2–3 As One promises to challenge conventional notions of beauty through its choreographies that investigate the evolution of consciousness and the essence of existence.
Butoh is famed for its slow yet intense movements, seeking to peel away layers of human experience and provoke thought about the nature of beauty. At its core, 1–2–3 As One features three distinct Butoh solos that interconnect in a shared choreography, creating a unique tapestry of body and spirit that not only stands as independent expressions but converges in a rare display of artistic unity.
jackï job is a pioneering performance artist, choreographer, and academic
Image: Supplied.
As jackï job poignantly states, “Butoh has always been a dance that breaks rules and conventions. 1–2–3 As One is an excellent example of this. This work asks: what do you see? What do you understand? The show moves inside and around these questions — shifting sensibilities, invoking dreams and revealing invisible worlds that are viscerally felt.”
As part of this pioneering initiative, masterclasses will follow the performances on 8 and 9 December. These sessions offer a rare opportunity for participants to learn directly from Butoh masters regarding the dance form’s philosophy and techniques. The masterclasses promise engaging encounters—each artist will conduct their session on 8 December, culminating in a collaborative class on 9 December designed to blend the teachings of all three instructors.
Attendees are encouraged to immerse themselves in this artistic odyssey, regardless of prior dance training. “With Butoh, you do not have to have dance training or be an experienced artist,” job emphasizes. “We invite anyone curious and engaged in the world to attend.”
Bookings can be made via Quicket.