Butoh America: Butoh Dance in the United States and Mexico from 1970 to the early 2000s

Butoh America explores the people and networks that popularized Butoh dance in the Americas, focusing on key artists, producers, and festivals in the US and Mexico. It is the first book to gather these histories into one narrative and examine the development of American Butoh, which aligned with avant-garde performance art in alternative venues. La MaMa in New York and the Festival Internacional Cervantino in Guanajuato legitimized the form as esteemed experimental performance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Butoh America delves into the vibrant tapestry of individuals and networks that brought Butoh dance to the Americas, offering a comprehensive exploration of key artists, producers, and festivals across the United States and Mexico. Serving as the inaugural volume to consolidate these histories into a cohesive narrative, this book sheds light on the evolution of American Butoh, a dance form that emerged in San Francisco in 1976, aligning itself with avant-garde performance art in unconventional spaces like galleries and experimental theaters.

Two pivotal institutions, La MaMa in New York and the Festival Internacional Cervantino in Guanajuato, played a significant role in elevating Butoh to esteemed experimental performance status. Notably, grand-scale festivals featuring renowned Japanese artists and a multitude of international talents have taken place in each of these three locations, fostering local communities while also attracting global attention.

Through meticulous research and insightful interviews, Butoh America weaves together the intricate threads of people and ideas, illuminating the interconnectedness within the Butoh diaspora. It also incorporates perspectives from interviewees, offering valuable insights into the future directions of Butoh in the Americas. This captivating book serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Butoh on the artistic landscape, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this unique dance form.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032225623