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Dance of Darkness Extent: 1 folder See the record for "New Television, Episode 508 (1989)" for descriptions of videos containing this work. Copyright Date: 1989 Copyright Holder: Edin Velez Artist: Velez, Edin

Background:
Broadcast as part of Episode 508 of the 1989 season of "New Television."

Scope:
An 8 X 10 color photographic print of a performance by Dai Rakuda Kan exists. See the record for "New Television, Episode 508 (1989)" for descriptions of videos containing this work.

"A study of Japanese Butoh dancing and its myth, folkstories, and history. This provocative theatrical dance form is poetically illustrated through the choreography and words of Butoh." -- WGBH press release

The work includes archival footage of early Butoh pioneer Tatsumi Hijikata, who is credited as the form's originator. Kazuo Ohno, another early Butoh performer, is shown performing his famous "Admiring La Argentina," and other works. Other companies whose works are shown include Akaji Mori's Dai Rakuda Kan, Isamu Ohsuga's Byakko Sha, and Yoko Ashikawa's Hakutoboh. These examples reveal the depth and diversity of Butoh as it has evolved. Many of these dancers worked directly with Hijikata at some point and all speak to his influence, as they are interviewed about the art form. One performer, Akiko Motofuji, explains, "Ballet and modern dance spring from the earth...Hijikata created a dance which crawls on the earth." The work is just short of an hour in length.

Many of the works shown feature elaborate costumes. The performers often wear the traditional white makeup of Butoh.

Director:
Velez, Edin

Producers:
Velez, Edin
Velez, Ethel

Coproducers:
Sept, La
New Television

Editors:
Markward, Frank (Video Editor)
Beyer, Robert
Crawford, Tom
Feist, Rick

Funders:
New York State Council on the Arts
National Endowment for the Arts
Art Matters, Inc.
Electronic Arts Intermix

Subjects:
Butoh

Jung, Carl


Genres:
Dance
Documentaries and factual works
Interviews

See Also:
New Television, Episode 508 (1989)

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