Dance of Darkness: Butoh in Film

The film night opens with an interview between choreographer Trajal Harrell and sound/media artist Avita Maheen, discussing Harrell’s choice: Dance of Darkness (1989). Directed by Edin Velez, the film explores the raw power of butoh, featuring pioneers like Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno. It’s preceded by Rose Color Dance (1965), an experimental short by Takahiko Iimura capturing butoh’s intensity with striking 8mm visuals. The programme reflects butoh’s deep emotional language and its influence on Harrell’s work. Maheen, a curator and artist, brings a unique perspective on space, movement, and perception.