KAGEMI: Beyond the Metaphors of Mirrors at Esplanade Theatre

Beneath a floating canopy of giant, alabaster white lotus leaves, seven spectral figures embark on a spellbinding odyssey of transformation and enlightenment to unravel human nature. Weaving in and out of light and shadow, time and consciousness, their pale bodies move hypnotically in unison and counterpoint to an eclectic soundtrack of soft meditative rhythms and pulsating ethno electro beats, as they celebrate the cycle of life.



From the world renowned butoh dance company that brought you Tobari – As If in a Inexhaustible Flux comes this riveting masterpiece by Sankai Juku’s revered founder and artistic director, Ushio Amagatsu, who performs as one of the seven dancers.

KAGEMI: Beyond the Metaphors of Mirrors is a stunning composition of seven tableaux linked by a progression of poetic and metaphoric references, every one a haunting dreamscape. As each scene morphs into the next, juxtaposing life and death, land and water, ash and blood, dancers enter different states of consciousness, evoking the human being as a mirror of nature.



Since premiering in 2000 at Paris' Theatre de la Ville, KAGEMI has mesmerised the world over with its unforgettable ethereal beauty.

Celebrated for his powerful articulation of the body and penchant for creating viscerally striking stage imagery, the works of Ushio Amagatsu for Sankai Juku are known for their elegance, refinement, technical precision and emotional depth.

Sankai Juku, meaning “studio between mountain and sea,” is one of the most sought-after international butoh dance troupes in the world. To date, they have performed in over 700 cities and more than 40 countries and won several awards including the Laurence Olivier Award (2002), the Asahi Performing Arts Award (2007) and the Japan Foundation Award (2013).