A History of Buto

The book "The History of Butô" by Bruce Baird is a comprehensive account of the innovative dance and theater form that emerged in the 20th century. It explores the performances and techniques of ten important butô artists, tracing their migration abroad and placing them at the center of contemporary issues related to technology, gender, and ethnicity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Butô is often overlooked as one of the most groundbreaking and innovative forms of dance and theater to emerge during the 20th century. Author Bruce Baird, a renowned expert on the subject, presents a fresh perspective in his book, "The History of Butô," exploring this crucial and influential performance art of the latter half of the 20th century. Through meticulous tracing of the performances and techniques of ten prominent figures in the first and second generation of butô, including Hijikata Tatsumi, Maro Akaji, Carlotta Ikeda, and Kobayashi Saga, as well as its international migration to France and beyond, "The History of Butô" showcases the creativity of the founders and the diverse directions taken by subsequent dancers. Moreover, this book places these choreographer/dancers at the forefront of some of the most pressing issues of our time, highlighting the significance and relevance of their insights into the relationship between humans, technology, and new media, as well as the status of gender and ethnicity in Japan, Europe, and the world. Baird guides world-renowned for his approachable and expansive approach to an art form with which he has a deep and unique familiarity, guides us through this comprehensive exploration.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197630280