Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2009

In the second part of Kakuya Ohashi’s “Clarity” trilogy, the director/choreographer obliterated the distinction between private theater and public space by literally opening the backstage doors and having dancers perform on both sides of the threshold. Clarity in Abyss is the culmination of the four-year-long project, through which Ohashi seeks to update the work of ’60s butoh pioneer Tatsumi Hijikata by reflecting the tensions of contemporary society. Like Radiohead, Ohashi employs an innovative ticket pricing system whereby those attending can choose from ¥20,000, ¥4,000 and ¥0 tickets depending on their ability to pay. Anyone paying ¥20,000 is treated as a “sponsor” of the performance.

Clarity in Abyss
Fusion contemporary dance and butoh by Kakuya Ohashi and Dancers. Sep 22-26, various times, free/¥4,000/¥20,000 (door). Kichijoji Theater. Tel: 03-6905-9264.