Research Investigation Topic

So, now that the PPP and set design coursework is DONE, I find myself with a whole lot of spare time! However, this will soon change because... RI! Yes, this piece of work, along with my EE and IA's, will dominate my summer! Wonderful. Anyway, here's what I chose:

BUTOH:

I chose this type of theatre because I liked the fact that it tackles very serious world-related issues through the medium of Theatre. I also like the idea that you can communicate ideas simply through movement.

Conventions:

• A Japanese type of Theatre that emerged in the 1960's as a protest against traditional arts and their silence over the atrocities committed in the Second World War. Today, it focuses on serious issues concerning the present world.
• Defined by dance and movement. Specifically, hyper-controlled slow-motion.
• Codified type of Dance. Even has its own language to regulate it, Butoh-fu.
• Inspired by Artaud's Theatre of Cruelty and the writings of the Marquis de Sade.
• Minimal set and costumes to engage the imagination  of the audience.
• Relies on improvisation.
• Every movement is studied and practised to be perfect on the day of the performance. They are sometimes inspired by animals.
• Use of white make-up to show uniformity. Allows the audience to concentrate on the meaning of the dance.

Play: "Kinjiki" (Forbidden Colours) by Tatsumi Hijikata

Theatrical element: Hyper-controlled movement.