Routledge Companion to Butoh Performance

The Routledge Companion to Butoh Performance provides a comprehensive exploration of the global art form butoh,drawing inspiration from avant-garde movements,Surrealism,Happenings,and authors like Genet and Artaud. It places the form in historical context, documents its development in Japan and its spread worldwide, and brings together theory and practice through specially commissioned essays and translations of important early texts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 558 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge Companion to Butoh Performance offers a comprehensive exploration and analysis of the world-renowned art form known as butoh. Hailing from Japan in the 1960s, butoh emerged as a groundbreaking innovation in twentieth-century dance and performance, and its impact continues to evolve and transcend across borders. Drawing inspiration from avant-garde movements, surrealism, happenings, and influential authors such as Genet and Artaud, butoh has permeated contemporary performing arts, music, and visual art practices. This companion provides a historical context for butoh, traces its development in Japan and its global spread, and brings together theoretical insights and practical applications of this captivating dance. The volume's interdisciplinarity reflects the profound depth and versatility of butoh, featuring specially commissioned essays by esteemed scholars and renowned dancers alongside translations of essential early texts. By delving into the world of butoh, this companion offers a valuable resource for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on its historical significance, artistic evolution, and ongoing influence on the contemporary creative landscape.
The Routledge Companion to Butoh Performance is a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the global art form known as butoh. Originating in Japan in the 1960s, butoh emerged as a groundbreaking innovation in twentieth-century dance and performance, and its influence continues to shape and evolve across the world. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including avant-garde movements, surrealism, happenings, and the works of authors such as Genet and Artaud, butoh has permeated contemporary performing arts, music, and visual art practices.

This companion provides a historical context for butoh, tracing its development in Japan and its spread worldwide. It brings together theoretical insights and practical applications of this captivating dance, featuring specially commissioned essays by leading scholars and dancers alongside translations of important early texts. The volume's interdisciplinarity reflects the depth and versatility of butoh, showcasing the contributions of scholars, artists, and practitioners from various fields.

One of the key strengths of The Routledge Companion to Butoh Performance is its ability to place butoh within the broader context of contemporary art and culture. The editors argue that butoh is not merely a dance form but a multidisciplinary practice that encompasses performance, movement, visual art, and literature. By exploring the intersections between butoh and other artistic disciplines, the companion offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of contemporary performance and its impact on society.

The volume also includes a range of case studies and examples of butoh performances from around the world, showcasing the diverse range of styles and approaches that have emerged within the art form. These performances provide a tangible sense of the power and beauty of butoh, and they offer insights into the creative processes and inspirations behind these works.

In conclusion, The Routledge Companion to Butoh Performance is an essential resource for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts interested in exploring the world of butoh. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the art form, providing a rich understanding of its historical roots, artistic development, and ongoing influence. By delving into the theoretical and practical aspects of butoh, this companion fosters a deeper appreciation for this unique and powerful art form and its potential to shape the future of contemporary performance.

Weight: 1048g
Dimension: 172 x 244 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367517908