Akaji Maro

Born in 1943 in Nara, Akaji Maro began exploring theatre at an early age. In 1972, he founded the company Dairakudakan after collaborating with Jûrô Kara at Jôkyô Gekijô and observing the rehearsals of Tatsumi Hijikata, a pioneer of butoh. His company became a leading force in this radical Japanese dance form, introducing major figures such as Ushio Amagatsu and Kô Murobushi. In 1982, he brought butoh to the United States at the American Dance Festival. A multi-award-winning artist, he is a regular guest at the Maison de la culture du Japon in Paris. In recent years, he has entrusted the music of his works to Jeff Mills. His singular presence has also drawn the attention of filmmakers including Seijun Suzuki, Takeshi Kitano, and Quentin Tarantino. In 2020, he created GOLD SHOWER with François Chaignaud. In 2024, he premiered Alter Ego with cellist Éric-Maria Couturier and Brain at the Setagaya Public Theater.