The Georgia Straight proudly sponsors Dairakudakan

The Vancouver International Dance Festival presents Dairakudakan at the Vancouver Playhouse on Friday and Saturday (March 20 and 21) at 8 p.m.

Dairakudakan, a renowned Japanese butoh ensemble, will mark its Canadian premiere with Mushi no Hoshi—Space Insect. Directed by choreographer Akaji Maro, Mushi no Hoshi features 22 dancers shape-shifting from humans to insects while asking the question, “Who is the better caretaker of the world?”

“As Kokoro Dance had the absolute pleasure of learning from Akaji Maro during a visit to Japan in 2013—a butoh artist who has truly pioneered the art form—we are thrilled and honoured to welcome Dairakudakan to Vancouver as part of VIDF,” Barbara Bourget, artistic director of VIDF, stated in a news release. “This performance exemplifies the role and mandate of VIDF in the community—to present Vancouver audiences with first-rate, culturally-diverse, and influential contemporary dance performances. Our patrons are in for a rare and transformative experience with Dairakudakan’s profound, ethereal performance, presented in Canada for the very first time.”

Mushi no Hoshi first premiered in 2014 at the Setagaya Public Theatre in Tokyo. The piece is accompanied by a score co-composed by Japanese flutist Keisuke Doi and American DJ Jeff Mills.

Tickets to Dairakudakan are $40 to $50 and can be purchased online in advance.