These haunting figures are a mix of butoh and contemporary dancers in costume, and their meandering performance is titled ...

Ushio Amagatsu, a globally acclaimed performer and choreographer who was a key figure in butoh dance, died on March 25 from heart failure. He was 74. A funeral was held for close family members.

Butoh was founded by Tatsumi Hijikata before its principle was taken over by Kazuo Ohno, Akaji Maro and Ushio Amagatsu. The performing art has inspired the art scene across the world since the 1960s.

Away from the confines of the concert hall, these misfit stages are introducing a new generation to butoh, the post-war medium that has since 1959 smashed up the niceties of modern dance.