2 Feb 2021 – 23 May 2021
Abbotsford Convent
Dancehouse
2 Feb 2021 – 23 May 2021
Abbotsford Convent
Dancehouse
This February – May, the Convent presents New Ab/Normal (新しい異常), the fifth iteration of ButohOUT!—the annual festival celebrating the profound Japanese performance art of Butoh.
Originally called the ‘Dance of Darkness’, Butoh has always been associated with the marginalised—embracing the abnormal, the quirky and the deviant. The very first Butoh performances shocked audiences so much the art form was forced underground. Today however, Butoh is celebrated as an innovative and transformative practice.
In this post-pandemic era, the term ‘new normal’ is prolific—what was normal is no longer so, and vice versa. Yet we cling onto some semblance of normalcy like a security blanket. Why?
New Ab/Normal will explore the paradoxical nature of normality through the lens of Butoh, questioning our need to maintain the status quo and celebrating the subversive. Featuring five public workshops, a performance-making laboratory and two performance works, New Ab/Normal will create platforms for participants—from experienced creatives to newcomers, children and families—to explore authentic expression in an ever changing world.
“ButohOUT! feels like Samuel Beckett meets Beyoncé via Eraserhead”
– Daily Review
2 February – 23 May
Artistic Director Yumi Umiumare
Producer Takashi Takiguchi
Voice Emma Bathgate
Visual arts Jacqui Stockdale
Sound Dan West
Forum Facilitation Helen Smith
Weekly workshop series: Is Butoh Abnormal?
Facilitated by Yumi Umiumare
5 sessions: Tuesday 2, 9, 16, 23 February, 6pm – 9pm & Sunday 14 February, 10am – 4pm
Location: Abbotsford Convent, Oratory
Cost: $270 Full / $250 Concession for all 5 sessions
Book now
Weekend workshop: What is Normal in Butoh?
Facilitated by Yumi Umiumare
Friday 19 March, 6pm – 9pm, Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 March, 10am – 4pm
Location: Abbotsford Convent, Rosina Auditorium
Cost: $270 Full / $250 Concession for the weekend
Book now
Weekend workshop: What is our New Ab/Normal?
Facilitated by Yumi Umiumare, Emma Bathgate, Jacqui Stockdale
Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 April, 9am – 6pm
Location: Abbotsford Convent, Oratory
Cost: $300 Full / $280 Concession for the weekend, plus $10 for materials
Book now
Convent Kids workshop: Peek-a-Butoh
Facilitated by Yumi Umiumare
Saturday 27 March, 10am
Saturday 27 March, 11am
Location: Abbotsford Convent, Sacred Heart Courtyard
Cost: free!
Bookings: will open in February
Seniors workshop: You Don’t Think You Can Dance?
Facilitated by Yumi Umiumare
Saturday 27 March, 1pm – 2pm
Location: Abbotsford Convent
Cost: free!
Bookings: will open in February
Performance: Colour-Fool (壱)
Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 March
Location: Dancehouse
Performance: Odd Hours (弐)
Thursday 20 – Sunday 23 May
Location: Abbotsford Convent, Industrial School
We take your safety seriously and have put in place the following COVID safety measures to ensure you are able to feel free and have fun whilst moving:
View the Convent’s COVID Safe plans here.
Please refer to the booking terms and conditions.
Workshops in the Oratory and Rosina Auditorium can be accessed via wheelchair or mobility device.
If you have access requirements please contact organisers on butohout@gmail.com
Abbotsford Convent Foundation
ImPermanence Productions
Dancehouse
Australia Council for the Arts
Australian Cultural Fund
Auspicious Arts Projects
City of Yarra