Felt very privileged on March 21 to attend Darakudakan's butoh performance of Mushi no Hoshi with J at the Vancouver Playhouse. It was very dramatic and professionally presented. This was their only stop in North America. Even in Tokyo, where they live and work, it's difficult to take in one of their shows since they are few and far between.
The title, Mushi no hoshi, was translated as "Space Insects", but I've seen it translated for their Paris performance as "Planet of Insects," which may be more accurate. The 30-year-old dance troupe gave it their all, with no intermission and several encores spurred on by a very enthusiastic crowd.
...With 22 surreal, shape-shifting dancers, other-worldly costumes and body-paint, and a spectacular set, Dairakudakan exemplifies the transformative power of butoh through its imaginative blend of theatre and dance. Mushi no Hoshi – Space Insect was choreographed by artistic director, Akaji Maro... ~ Vancouver International Dance Festival
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| Poster featuring Akaji Maro |
