BUTOH MEDEA

Performed, Choreographed, and Adapted by Yokko
Written and Co-Apated by Sean Michael Welch
Directed by Brian Rhinehart
Co-Choreographer: Jordan Rosin
Costume Design: Deepsikha Chatterjee
Lighting Design: Derek Van Heel
UK Producer: Laura Kressly

​Adapting this production from Euripides’ Medea and Greek Tragedy, and using Japanese Butoh Dance and original texts, Yokko brings the spirit of Medea to life. This fusion of Eastern dance and Western drama invites the audience inside Medea’s dark and desperate struggle. Trapped in the underworld, she is forever cursed to relive her tragic journey through love, hate, and ultimate loss.

VENUES / ENGAGEMENTS:

  • Cheb Monodrama Festival, Cheb, Czechia (2019)
  • Hollywood Fringe Festival, Los Angeles, CA (2018)
  • Thespis Festival 11, International Monodrama Festival, Kiel, Germany (2018)
  • Atelier Teatro Fisico, Turin, Italy (2016)
  • St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY (2016)
  • Paradise in the Vault, Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2015)
  • United Solo Festival, Warsaw, Poland (2015)
  • The One Festival, New York City (2015)
  • Theatre Row, United Solo Festival, New York City (2014, 2015)

AWARDS

  • Best Dance & Physical Theatre (nominee), Hollywood Fringe Festival (2018)
  • Best Physical Theatre, United Solo Festival (2015)
  • Best One-Woman Show, United Solo Festival (2014)
  • Best Choreography, United Solo Festival (2014)

REVIEWS

“…visceral choreography captures Medea’s grief-fuelled fury at Jason’s betrayal of her like a blast of heat from a furnace. As she contorts herself in maddened grief, she’s mesmeric.”  – fest, Edinburgh Scotland

“From the simple flick of a wrist to the wild thrashing of her head, each movement is carefully choreographed and delivered with primal emotion. The result is almost frightening at times.”
– A Differing View, Edinburgh Scotland

“Yokko’s transformation into Medea is breath-taking: profound, tormented, physical, truly esoteric and poetic. The show is not for the faint-hearted!”
– Female Arts, Edinburgh Scotland

For more information about BUTOH MEDEA, visit the show’s website here.

PHOTOS/MULTIMEDIA