July 15, 2016 / 7 PM / FREE

HOWl! Happening in association with The New York Butoh Institute and Vangeline Theater present:

Friday, July 15: Sankai Juku: Umusuna, a Sankai Juku performance by the Butoh dance troupe from 2015.

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 spaoke 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. Whether you are new to Butoh or a Butoh buff, join us for three3 spellbinding nights with the giants of Butoh.

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.

2016 marks the 6th and 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 Butohon this unique artform. http://www.vangeline.com/