Vancouver, BC -- In an otherworldly fusion of butoh and theatre, the Vancouver International Dance Festival (VIDF) proudly presents the Canadian premiere of renowned Japanese ensemble Dairakudakan in Mushi no Hoshi - Space Insect, on stage March 20 & 21, 2015 at 8pm at the Vancouver Playhouse. Under the direction of award-winning Choreographer Akaji Maro, this large-scale spectacle will showcase 22 dancers shape-shifting from humans to insects while asking the question, "Who is the better caretaker of the world?"
"As Kokoro Dance had the absolute pleasure of learning from Akaji Maro during a visit to Japan in 2013 -- a butoh artist who has truly pioneered the art form -- we are thrilled and honoured to welcome Dairakudakan to Vancouver as part of VIDF," says Artistic Director Barbara Bourget. "This performance exemplifies the role and mandate of VIDF in the community -- to present Vancouver audiences with first-rate, culturally-diverse, and influential contemporary dance performances. Our patrons are in for a rare and transformative experience with Dairakudakan's profound, ethereal performance, presented in Canada for the very first time." Founded in 1972, Dairakudakan is Japan's longest-standing butoh ensemble, globally recognized for spectacular and theatrically explosive performances. Through past tours to such countries as France, Mexico, and Brazil, among others, Dairakudakan's international reputation has flourished under the expert direction of Founder and Artistic Director Akaji Maro. At 71-years-old, Maro is a revered grandfather of the butoh genre, having studied under Tatsumi Hijikata -- one of the original innovators of the art form. Since this tutelage, Maro has advanced butoh considerably through dramatic choreography and theatrics, coupled with a distinct focus on individuality within the group.Vancouver International Dance Festival presents
Dairakudakan
Mushi no Hoshi -- Space Insect
Date: March 20 & 21, 2015 at 8pm
Ticket prices: $40 to $50 or included in $98 All Show Pass (1 Vancouver Playhouse ticket + 3 Roundhouse tickets)
Address: Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver B.C.
Box Office: vidf.ca/tickets; 604.662.4966
Website: vidf.ca
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