Profile of TOMOE SHIZUNE & HAKUTOBO

TOMOE SHIZUNE AND HAKUTOBO was organized in 1986 under the presidency of TOMOE SHIZUNE for the purpose of contribution to the development of theatrical art and culture through creation, training and performance of "Butoh," an avant-garde theatrical art unique to Japan.

Not only in Japan, they have won worldwide reputation through a number of performances including the 50's Edinburgh International Festival in 1996. The group pursues human being. The beauty of the stage performance is quite often described as "never seen before." Their performance at the Joyce Theater, New York, in 1994 was commented "beyond Butoh" in the New York Times. As this indicates, this particular performance won a very high reputation as a dance to transmit basic dance beyond the boundary of conventional categories.

All work is created, produced, directed, choreographed, music composed and art designed by TOMOE SHIZUNE, the president. Each member has a piece of work in which he/she plays the leading role. There are many collaborations with other artists such as improvisational players beyond the boundary of genres.

Their workshops include a concentrated one held annually based on the TOMOE SHIZUNE method and private lessons held periodically. They receive many requests from overseas organizations and many workshops have been held in the U.S., Europe, Australia and Asia.

They make guest appearance in many performances of other genres. The activity of TOMOE SHIZUNE & HAKUTOBO is not bound by type but they make various interchanges with plays, art, music and designer, including participation in Madame Butterfly, a repertory of the Opera de Lyon.

They actively introduce plans based on unique sensitivity such as Akeno project and Sanae Presents. The avant-garde and experimental spirit, the origin of dance, is never quenched.

Mr. TOMOE SHIZUNE has presided Tomoe Shizune and Hakutobo since 1986. He is also an artistic director, dancer and composer for the company. He created, directed, choreographed, composed and stage designed all the works for the company. He initiated the Tomoe method.

His works were praised very highly in media in the New York tour performances from 1990 to 1994 including appearing in The Joyce Theater. The New York Times praised "Beyond Butoh". He and his company participated in the Edinburgh International Festival in 1996,the Adelaide Festival in 1994 and the Southeast Asia Tour organized by the Japan Foundation. He has choreographed the dance scene for Madame Butterfly at the Opera de Lyon since 1990 to 1996.