Tbilisi Butoh
The Butoh scene has gradually been building since 2022, and this year there is consisent Butoh activity occurring. We have regular Sun, Mon, Tues, and Thurs guided by Adam Koan, and special workshops throughout the year guided by international guests. Next international guest: Dara Siligato workshop series, May 22 – 25.
Tbilisi Butoh Telegram: https://t.me/+pjnpepLwbew3ZjYy
Dara Siligato (Italy) will fly into Tbilisi specifically to offer a 4-day Butoh laboratory via Plazm Platform.
May 22, Thursday – 11:00-14:00
May 23, Friday – 14:00-17:00
May 24, Saturday – 17:00-20:00
May 25, Sunday – 11:00-14:00
Cost: 60 GEL (20 EUR) per day 200 GEL (66 EUR) for all 4 days
More info & Registration form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8Z7a3ijsbBoM3nK0cFJqY4jh33TkW5FrhB_ommurVihXUnA/viewform
SUNDAY | Theokinesis Butoh
Regular Sunday Tbilisi classes from 5p – 7p.
Location: Plazm Platform @ Music & Drama Theater, Davit Agmashenebeli 182, entrance from Giorgi Tsabadze 2
Price: 30 GEL (cash only)
Adam continues butoh classes after offering several butoh sessions throughout the years in Georgia with his latest project Theokinesis.
Through divine connection, the dancer responds with their entire being, much like King David in the Bible. As described in 2 Samuel 6:14-15, David, wearing a linen ephod, danced like a wild man before the Lord, accompanied by the shouts and trumpets of all Israel as they brought the ark of the Lord to Jerusalem.
Theokinesis draws inspiration from Christian wisdom and the co-founder of butoh Kazuo Ohno’s emphasis on “Spirit.” Kazuo, a practicing Christian, rooted his understanding of “Spirit” to the Holy Spirit.
In Theokinesis, the body and immediate space transform into a living church. Using the creative medium of butoh dance theatre, this practice seeks to liberate the body from everyday constraints, allowing it to move freely and become a sacred offering.
Video directions from Davit Agmashenebeli 182.
MONDAY | Site-Specific Butoh Lab
Regular Monday Tbilisi class from 7:30p – 9p. (Time subject to change in June)
This 2-hour class will explore Butoh fundamentals to help the body become a vessel for site-specific creation. This class is accessible to those with no dance background, while offering complexity and nuance for intermediate and advanced movers.
Cost: 30 GEL
Hour 1: Butoh and Noguchi taiso warm-up and conditioning methods.
Hour 2: Site-specific field work at the park directly in front of the studio, especially related to the form of site-specific improvisation called the spontaneous performance procession or SPP.
Location: Lumos Studio, Sairme Street, 71 Godziashvili Park
TUESDAY | Butoh Reading
We read and discuss Butoh texts from 5p to 6:30 at chosen cafes. Check the Tbilisi telegram group for next cafe location.
Cost: Free
THURSDAY | Spontaneous Performance Procession
Every Thursday from 4pm – 630pm
This filmed event occurring every Thursday takes participants into a 2 1/2 hour adventure into a terrain utilizing the framework of the Spontaneous Performance Procession (SPP).
The SPP is made up of a group of performers who follow a leader as they walk, jog, or dance along different paths through nature or unique architecture. Whenever someone feels the urge to perform in a spot that resonates with them, they go for it. Performances can happen solo, in duets, or as a group, depending on the resonance of the moment.
Location: Always to be decided. Check the Tbilisi telegram group.
Requirement: Must have participated in Butoh at least once before.
Price: Free
For a deep dive of the concept see Spontaneous Performance Procession.