Japanese art form Butoh finds footing in Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 28 2013 : Considered to be a land of dances, yet another dance form referred to as Butoh and originating from Japan, has literally found its place in Manipur with a group of enthusiastic proponents of the dance form familiarising with the intricate movements of Butoh through a workshop held since December 25 at Khongman.

A joint venture of Sharma Arts and Crafts House (SACH) and NACHOM Arts of Contemporary Movement the workshop is an initiative of Surjit Nongmeikapam (Bonbon), a contemporary dancer cum choreographer.

The workshop is being held under the supervision of Butoh instructor namely Agu Tara, said to be among the few Indians practising the Japanese art form.

Briefing the participants about the performing art form, Agu Tara explained that Butoh is a dance form encompassing the wholeness of oneself, involves varied range of techniques and makes the performer feel energetic, internally.

Participants at the workshop of Butoh

Informed to be first introduced in Japan by Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno soon after the end of World War II, Butoh is said to manifest 'chaos' and destruction caused by the War, rebellion against social constraints and emancipation from suppressed emotions.

Overall it is how one resonates to the things around and deconsecrates from ego and self, she maintained.

On being asked about the response of the participants, Agu Tara said they (participants) are opening up to the new form of art and was satisfied to see their enthusiasm.

The instructor also said she is content with conducting the workshop.

Speaking to The Sangai Express Abo RK, one of the workshop participants, defined his experience as transforming and enlightening.

Expressing that Butoh brings oneself to contemplate and resonate with everything around, he also conveyed that joining workshop makes him find internal peace.

Another participant Chaoba Thiyam, who also happens to be a meditator, pointed out that Butoh is more of a spiritual movement done through following one's subtle and inner feelings, expanded form of meditation and not just a dance form.

Further stating that Butoh is supposedly not confined to stage performance but emphasizes on breaking daily pattern of life and societal norms by sinking into another realm, Chaoba also observed that through this realm one's originality and creativity eventually comes to the fore.