The first part of the second edition of The Play City project is behind us. The culmination of the butoh dance workshop was a performance held on Thursday, January 29, in Piłsudski Square. The classes were led by Sylwia Hanff, an instructor of avant-garde dance, and the founder and driving force behind Teatr Limen.
“The roots of butoh dance stem, on the one hand, from Japan and, on the other, from the European theatrical avant-garde of the 20th century,” Sylwia Hanff told IstotneInformacje.pl Sylwia Hanff. – “This dance is not based on any technique. Dancers do not use specific figures or steps. The aim of this art form is to search for the authentic movement of each dancer. Everyone dances their own butoh.”
“Butoh is something that allows you to go outside in just your socks in five-degree frost and lie down on the asphalt,” says Monika, a workshop participant and, in her everyday life, a student at I LO. The performance in front of Forum Cinema provoked various reactions from viewers, including negative ones. “At some point, the comments stopped mattering,” notes Katarzyna, who has been fascinated by theatre since she was 10. – “Butoh teaches concentration and transports you to a completely different dimension of feeling. And that can be very useful on stage.”
The essence of butoh is meditation and the search for oneself. Although this dance is not an easy form of expression – either for performers or viewers – it is becoming increasingly popular around the world. “Butoh has had loyal audiences in Poland for years,” emphasizes Sylwia Hanff. “It was a truly great experience. We are very grateful to Sylwia,” adds Katarzyna.
The next part of the second edition of The Play City will take place in May. “This time, a three-day workshop will be conducted by Teatr Krzyk,” says Monika Soja, the project coordinator.
(information ii)