The Forest of Whale’s Bones

Isamu Osuka

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Video ID number: V00682
Recording date: 31 October 1980

Overview

Founded in Kyoto in 1980, Byakko-sha toured university festivals throughout the Kansai region from May of that year, beginning with its inaugural performance, "Himei no Mori" ("The Forest of Hidden Screams"), at Ritsumeikan University, and continuing through 1981. This footage documents "Geikotsu no Mori" ("The Forest of Whale's Bones"), performed at Doshisha University in October 1980. The roles of carrying the palanquin bare-chested were performed by students from the university festival executive committee and festival staff. Many elements can be seen here that would later be incorporated into multiple works, including the men’s group dance "Dance of Backs," in which dancers place pillows on their heads and perform facing away from the audience, and the women’s group dance "Broom Dance."

Recorded on 8mm film. There is some sound degredation from the middle to the end of the video. Sanae Hiruta's solo section makes use of throat singing.

Details

Title: The Forest of Whale’s Bones
Performance creator(s): Byakko-sha
Direction/Choreography: Composition, Choreography and Direction: Isamu Osuka
Venue: Doshisha Students' Hall
Performance date(s): 31 October 1980
Performer(s) and staff: Performers: Isamu Osuka, Ryuta Gan, Ikki Taoka, Norikazu Sato, Happa Iwamoto, Sanae Hiruta, Karuko Aiyama, Rin Shiba, Cameler Dancers 88
Organiser(s): Organizer: 105th Doshisha University EVE Executive Committee
Genre: Butoh