Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2012

Hinting at his mischievous nature, butoh dancer Temmetsu changed founder of Japan’s avant-garde dance form Tatsumi Hijikata’s formulation of ankoku butoh, or “dance of darkness,” into ankoku yugi, or roughly “dark play.” The striking veteran dancer, who has appeared in a host of performances and collaborations, including music videos for Hikaru Utada, presents a new solo piece Sacred Art. Apparently the theme of the work is the arcane and esoteric science of alchemy, and the interpretative performer will dance, “as if he were a piece of metal turned into gold by an alchemist.”

Arché, May 5-6 (listing).