Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2011

Butoh festivals often have surreal titles befitting a haunting dance style, and the present fest is no different. “A Whisper of Strange Object” is an ongoing festival that features both up-and-coming as well as long established butoh dancers. In the latter category are Mitsuyo Uesugi and Mitsutaka Ishii, two performers who have been pushing the limits of the art for decades. Uesugi, who will dance on April 23rd, studied with master Kazuo Ohno from 1972-75 and pursues the more delicate side of butoh. Mitsutaka Ishii was one of the original students of butoh founder Tatsumi Hijikata, and started his studies with him in 1961. Ishii, who will perform on the 24th, lived in Europe and the US for 11 years, doing much to popularize the dance style in those territories.

Apr 22-24, 7:30pm (6:00pm on Sunday). ¥3,000 (adv)/¥3,500 (door). Terpsichore, Nakano. Tel: 03-3338-2728.