HOWl! Happening in association with The New York Butoh Institute and Vangeline Theater presents:
BUTOH FILM SERIES: KAZUO OHNO, TATSUMI HIJIKATA, and SANKAI JUKU
The unique art of Butoh originated in post-World War II Japan as a reaction to the loss of identity caused by the westernization of Japanese culture, as well as a realization that ancient Japanese performing traditions no longer spoke to a contemporary audience. One of the major developments in contemporary dance in the latter half of the 20th century, Butoh combines dance, theater, improvisation and influences of Japanese traditional performing arts to create a unique performing art form that is both controversial and universal in its expression.
Tatsumi Hijikata was known as the father of Butoh, a Japanese theater-dance form that grew out of a rebellion against traditional dance and theater and was influenced by Japanese esthetics and Western modern dance, particularly the Expressionist dance of Mary Wigman.
Co Founder of Butoh Kazuo Ohno was invited to the 14th International Festival in Nancy, France, in 1980 and danced "Admiring La Argentina" in the festival. Ohno danced Butoh internationally into his 90’s and performed in New York at la MaMa E. T. C.
Founded by Ushio Amagatsu in 1975, Sankai Juku also performed at the Nancy International Festival in France. The performance was such a sensation and that the Avignon Festival invited them to perform that year as well. Since 1982 Sankai Juku has premiered a new piece approximately once every two years at Theatre de la Ville, Paris and continues ton introduce Butoh to audiences worldwide.
July 13, 14, 15, 2016 at 7pm
- Wednesday July 13: Kazuo Ohno in conversation at 86- 93 minutes -Documentary film by director Toru Fukui and Kazuo Ohno performs "Seimei" at 86
- Thursday, July 14: Tatsumi Hijikata: Summer Storm, a rare film about the life and work of Tatsumi Hijikata- 60 minutes
- Friday, July 15: Sankai Juku: Umusuna, viewing of Sankai Juku performance ( 2015)- 1 hour
FREE
(917) 475-1294
2016 marks the 6-year anniversary and the 30th Anniversary of the passing of founders of Butoh Kazuo Ohno, and Tatsumi Hijikata. The Vangeline Theater and The New York Butoh Institute are dedicated to sharing information about butoh and educating the public about Butoh.
Whether you are new to Butoh or a Butoh buff, come meet the giants of Butoh and join us for 3 spellbinding nights!
The Vangeline Theater has been a leader in the development of contemporary Butoh dance since its founding in 2002. Informed by the expansive vision of pioneering choreographer Vangeline, the Vangeline Theater brings to life a timeless and uniquely American style of Butoh that continues to captivate audiences. The Vangeline Theater is home to the New York Butoh Institute, providing superior Butoh training to our community. The New York Butoh Institute is dedicated to the advancement of Butoh in the 21st century, with a special emphasis on scientific research as it relates to Butoh. www.vangeline.com
Howl! Happening
Gallery | Performance Space | Archive
Like the neighborhood in which it was born and the Howl! Festival that began it all, Howl! Happening is a space of untamed creativity. Howl! Happening curates exhibitions and stages live events that showcase the historical legacy and contemporary culture of the East Village and Lower East Side. It is also dedicated to preserving the archives of artists who spent their creative lives working in this vibrant community and houses the Estates of artist Arturo Vega and the beloved performance artist, Tom Murrin aka “The Alien Comic.” The history of the East Village is still being written. The mix of rock and roll, social justice, art and performance, community activism, gay rights and culture, immigrants, fashion, and nightlife are even more relevant now and Howl! Happening aims to shine a light on artists from the past in the place where their art came alive and where they played and worked. Howl! Happening is an Arturo Vega Project. Visit howlarts.org