akaji_maro_profile

In 1964, Akaji Maro co-founded “Jyokyo Gekijo” (a theatre production) with a renowned
Japanese actor /director Juro Kara under the strong influence by Tatsumi Hijikata, one
of the pioneers of “Butoh”. In the productions, Maro was acknowledged as an actor who
embodied Kara’s “privileged physical theory ” with his own spectacular acting approach.
He was the inspiration for many performing artists in those days . In 1972, Maro founded
“Dairakudakan” (Butoh Dance Company). He brought the theatrical, spectacular perfor-
ming technique into Butoh dance pieces . One of his basic teachings, “Tempu - Tenshiki”
( Being born in the world is a great talent itself ) became controversial not only in Japan
but also in other countries after the shocking debut at numerous dance festivals in Fran-
ce and the United States in 1980s. Since then , the dance, “ Butoh” has been influencing
international dance scenes . Maro has challenged to cross over the borders of different
art forms as an actor, dancer, and a director/choreographer.