Choreographer Kaiji Moriyama directs K-Ballet Opto's new production 'A Dance Remembered in Tohno,' premiering on December 26 at Tatemono Brillia Hall in Tokyo. The show explores mystical creatures in the realm between life and death, blending ballet, modern dance, kabuki, and butoh in a multilayered performance. The rare fusion of ballet and butoh, often called 'antiballet' for its grotesque movements and dark themes, stands out.
The story unfolds in Tono, Iwate Prefecture, where a kamikaze pilot writes his final letter to his fiancée, played by Shoya Ishibashi and Saya Okubo from K-Ballet Tokyo. The pilot is guided by the enigmatic Boy K, portrayed by 13-year-old kabuki actor Onoe Maholo, as they traverse uncertain spaces and encounter fantastical beings like tengu demons, yōkai monsters, and spirits of the dead.
K-Ballet Opto is an initiative dedicated to creating works that explore the intersections of choreography with art forms beyond classical ballet. This year's production layers ballet with modern dance, kabuki, and butoh, creating a multifaceted experience. Butoh, dubbed 'antiballet' for its emphasis on grotesque movements and shadowy themes, rarely meets ballet on stage.
Moriyama delves into the shadows inhabiting the border between life and death, offering audiences a glimpse into a mystical realm. The performance highlights a unique convergence of Japanese traditions and contemporary dance.