Butoh’s awareness of human suffering and existential meaningless resonates in Umiumare’s tearoom, where the calming exchange over tea stirs deep thoughts. This event is part of the exhibition Holding a Deep Breath, at the Japan Foundation.

Yumi Umiumare

Yumi Umiumare is an established Butoh dancer and choreographer. The Australian artist, born in Hyogo, Japan, has been creating her distinctive style of work for over 25 years renowned for provoking visceral emotions and exploring cultural identities. Umiumare’s works have been performed in numerous international festivals, and in dance, theatre, and film productions. She has worked with many socially engaged theatre projects in Australia with aboriginal communities, refugees, culturally diverse people, and a company of people with and without disability. Umiumare has choreographed a work for the Japan Contemporary Dance Network, and was the recipient of an Australian Council for the Arts fellowship (2015-16).