Grotesque imagery, taboo topics, absurd environments… Japan’s largest and longest-running butoh company, the legendary Dairakudakan, is making its hotly anticipated first visit to Canada as part of the 15th Vancouver International Dance Festival.
With 22 slow-motion, shape-shifting dancers in other-wordly costumes, metallic body-paint and spectacular set pieces, Dairakudakan is Japan’s most dramatic blend of theatre and dance.
Choreographer Akaji Maro, an accomplished actor who has appeared in Kill Bill:Vol I. and some 76 other films, offers Mushi ho Hoshi – Space Insect as a response to a warning from space: In short, aliens are angered by human ignorance, and are helping the rest of creation rise up against us.
This hotly anticipated galactic bug battle will amaze for two nights only, March 20 and 21. Meanwhile, other highlights from the festival’s intimate nine-company roster include Toronto wild man Benjamin Kamino and his solo work, Nudity. Desire. (March 12-14). As the title suggests, Kamino performs naked in this work to advance its exploration nudity versus knowledge, language and desire.
Still keeping within Canada, Vancouver’s Out Innerspace and 605 Collective each give a first look at new work March 19-21, and Montreal’s Benoit Lachambre makes a trimphant return with Snakeskins (March 12-14), after an unfortunate dolphin-swimming incident sidelined him from his 2014 slot.
Running March 8-28, VIDF also celebrates dance with classes led by visiting artists, and free performances March 8, 15, and 22. See VIDF.ca for venue and ticket info.
