The 5th iteration of ButohOUT!, a collection of events inspired by the dance theatre artform of Butoh, explores the artistic theme 'New Ab/Normal' during the post-pandemic era with the question: what is normal? Led by artistic director Yumi Umiumare and the producer Takashi Takiguchi, it offers 5 public workshops including one for children and seniors, a performance-making laboratory, a forum and
2 performance presentations, one at Dancehouse and the other at Abbotsford Convent. One of the first Butoh performances so shocked its Japanese audiences that it was forced to go underground, yet now Butoh is accepted as an innovative and transformative art form. Conversely, what we used to think as ‘normal’ is no longer so. Instead, the term, 'new normal' exists, which contains the paradoxical nuance that an abnormality can become ‘normal’. We hang onto a semblance of normalcy like a security blanket - but why? With a new creative team of collaborators, Emma Bathgate (Voice), Jacqui Stockdale (Visual Arts), Ai Yamamoto & Dan West (Sound), ButohOUT! 2021 will develop and present two new works, through a series of public workshops and creative
laboratories, to amplify diverse voices in contemporary dance/theatre work. embraces the power of the unknown while creating platforms for participants to explore their authentic expression. With something for everyone, ButohOUT! extends a warm welcome to all from experienced creatives to newcomers, children and families.
