KASAI Akira has established a unique presence in the crowded butoh dance scene. Both lumbering and lithe, the human character that is KASAI Akira reaches each and every corner of the stage on which he dances. Having contributed to butoh during its early years in the 1960s, KASAI later moved to Germany and studied eurhythmy. Upon his return to Japan, he founded his own company, Tenshikan, which has since produced many dancers. This performance is a duet with the internationally active pianist TAKAHASHI Yuji. Bach’s last major work, The Art of Fugue, is an acclaimed, unfinished masterpiece intricately constructed in counterpoint. KASAI dances as if snuggling up close to Bach’s music or even, at times, as if vying with it. He exchanges his black, flared dress for a long, white, translucent one. He later sits on the floor, apparently exhausted, only to stand up and continue the dance with the bare minimum of movements that is a showcase of butoh at its finest. Changing next into black pants, KASAI once again dances with nimble movements. But the music is incomplete and the dance likewise comes to an unexpected stop. And yet the image of KASAI dancing alone continues, forever engraved in the mind of the viewer.

2008
Setagaya Public Theatre
Presented by: The Japan Foundation (JF) (https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/)
In cooperation with EPAD (https://epad.terrada.co.jp/)

＜Performance Credits＞
Conceived, Directed, and Choreographed by: KASAI Akira
Performer: KASAI Akira
Piano: TAKAHASHI Yuji
Stage Manager: HARAGUCHI Yoshiko
Lighting Design by: OHNO Michino
A Tenshikan & NPO Kaibunsha production
Presented by: Tenshikan (http://www.akirakasai.com/jp/tenshikan/)
Supported by: Japan Arts Council

Producer: HANAMITSU Junko (NPO Kaibunsha)
In association with Setagaya Public Theatre

＜Promotional Text＞
NORIKOSHI Takao