Dancer Takao Kawaguchi will perform “About Kazuo Ohno: Reliving the Butoh Diva’s Masterpieces” at REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CaArts Theater), 631 W. Second St. in Downtown Los Angeles, on Friday, Oct. 7, at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 8, at 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m.
Kawaguchi, who first came to REDCAT with the Tokyo-based collective Dumb Type, reimagines legendary works by revered butoh master Ohno in an original production that prompted both excitement and commotion in the Tokyo cultural scene.
Any interpretation of the inimitable work of Ohno requires the performer to suspend his personal beliefs and interpretation, in order to project his body onto the forms and contours of the aged dancer as precisely as possible. The result is a copy that is in itself an original, a choreography created by Kawaguchi with the illusory image of Ohno, one of the most honored artists in dance history.
Tickets: Friday — $20 general, $16 members and students, $10 CalArts students/faculty/staff; Saturday and Sunday — $25 general, $20 members and students, $12 CalArts students/faculty/staff.
Coinciding with these performances, materials from the Kazuo Ohno Dance Studio in Yokohama and Japan Society’s archives, including posters, video, costumes and other articles, will be displayed in REDCAT’s lobby after performances.
Additional events:
“Body Sculpting with Takao Kawaguchi” on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. Kawaguchi will lead participants in his creative process for “About Kazuo Ohno.” After a discussion about Ohno and viewing of archival footage, participants will sketch their images and create movements based on what they experienced.
Limited capacity. Some movement experience preferred. Participants are asked to bring their own video streaming device (phone, tablet, personal computer). Participants must wear socks and exercise wear.
Free admission. Email Rolando Rodriguez at rrodriguez@calarts.edu to RSVP.
“Slow Body – Brain Does Not Have Sensation Vol. 27,” co-presented by Japan Foundation Los Angeles and REDCAT, on Monday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. Solo, uninterrupted movement at an almost imperceptible speed, for 70 minutes, surrounded by participants drawing the body.
It’s about the body, it’s about the speed, and how you look at and feel the body. Kawaguchi will dance in the nude as the participants carefully watch and sketch drawings of his movement/dance while listening to sound/music Kawaguchi selects (such as Steve Paxton’s voiceover sound recording). Participants can use any media to draw — pencil and charcoal. Smartphones may not be used. Free admission.
For more information, call (213) 237-2800 or visit www.redcat.org.
Tour produced and organized by Japan Society, New York and supported by The Japan Foundation Performing Arts JAPAN Program and the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan.