Butoh, Ritual and Spirit workshop series by Yumi Umiumare
Workshops April/March 2024
Explore: Butoh, Ritual and Spirit workshop series by Yumi Umiumare.
Workshop series Overview
WEEKLY
Weekly Workshop: Butoh
19th of March – April 30th 2024 @6-9pm
6 week workshop Tuesday nights commencing
N.B. no class on Tue 23rd April
@OkTopia, Thornbury
$220/200 & $40 for drop-in
WEEKEND
Weekend Workshop: Butoh and Ritual
22(Fri), 23(Sat), 24(Sun) March 2024
22(Fri) 6-9pm
23(Sat) 10am-4:30pm
24(Sun) 10am-4:30pm
@OkTopia, Thornbury
$280/ $260
3 Nights Away
3-Nights Residential Workshop: Butoh, Tea/Ritual and Spirituality
11(Thu), 12(Fri), 13(Sat) and 14(Sun) April 2024
@ Arisaig Yandoit
$650/$580 (early bird : booked by 29 Feb2024)
$690/$620
(All meals are included, Japanese style vegetarian)
About
Yumi is conducting three workshops, weekly and weekend workshops, and also 3-nights residential workshop introducing her mastery skills of body awareness through Butoh, her ongoing passion for ritual and ceremony through elements of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and her recent focus on exploring Jujutsu 呪術 - a Japanese notion of Shamanism.
This unique workshop series allows participants to explore the intersection of movement, ritual, and spirituality ⏤ fostering a deeper connection to the self, others, and the world around.
By integrating Butoh, the Japanese tea ceremony, and spiritual concepts like Jujutsu, participants will delve into:
Embodiment and Presence: Immerse yourself fully in the moment, expressing raw emotions and experiences through Butoh while creating simple rituals to enter sacred spaces with mindfulness and intention.
Symbolism and Ritual: Explore rich symbolism and ritualistic elements, discovering the philosophy of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and its essence of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility, abstracted through contemporary Butoh styles.
Mysteries and Magic: Delve into the mysteries of Jujutsu, where everyday life intersects with the sacred and the profane, exploring the spiritual link between the visible and invisible worlds.
Transformation and Self-Expression: Experience catharsis through movement, ritual and spiritual exploration, uncovering deep emotions and releasing tension.
Reconnecting these powers into the arts is essential for Yumi’s creative practice, and this is a great opportunity for participants to share in that process.
This workshop is open to participants of all levels of experience and artistic discipline.
N.B. Due to the studio space, limited spots are available.
#1 - Weekly Workshop
Butoh and Beyond 舞踏とその先
(Photo :Weekly workshop 2023 @OkTopia)
This weekly workshop (six sessions in total) focuses on training the body through classic Butoh methods combined with Yumi’s unique contemporary approach to Butoh, incorporating aspects of ritual as a gateway to enter and spirit as a soul to dive into.
The weekly sessions will focus on various themes, including physical exploration, form and non-form and creating personal expressions through ritual. This workshop is open to participants of all levels of experience and artistic discipline. While it is recommended to attend all six sessions, drop-ins are also welcome.
N.B. Due to the studio space, limited spots are available.
The weekly workshops will focus on;
Week 1: March 19: Introduction and physical exploration through classical Butoh
Week 2: March 26 : Physical exploration through hybrid styles of Butoh
Week 3: April 2: Form and Non-Form, being nature elements
Week 4: April 9: Form and Non-Form, being animal elements
Week 5: April 16: Finding a ‘gateway’, ‘entrance’ and ‘exit’ through aspects of Butoh
N.B. No class Tue 23 April
Week 6: April 30: Creating own expression through Butoh and Beyond
FACILITATOR
Yumi Umiumare
WHEN
March 19(Tue), 26(Tue)
April 2(Tue), 9(Tue), 16(Tue), 30(Tue) @6-9pm
(N.B. No class Tue 23rd April)
COST
$220/200 & $40 for drop-in
WHERE
OKTopia: 754R High St, Thornbury VICTORIA
#2 - Weekend Workshop
Butoh・Tea/Ritual 舞踏・お茶/儀式
(Photo: PopUp Tearoom Series Brisbane 2018)
Originally named ‘Dance of Darkness’, Butoh challenges conventional performance styles and offers participants a unique opportunity to explore their embodiment and presence. This workshop integrates Butoh with elements of the Japanese tea ceremony, introducing participants to the philosophy of harmony和, respect敬, purity清 and tranquility寂.
Through movement exercises, exploration, and discussions, participants will create their own unique routines and rituals in an abstracted Butoh style.
If you are interested in exploring these magical realms, please join this workshop.This workshop is open to participants of all levels of experience and artistic discipline.
N.B. Due to the studio space, limited spots are available.
Friday 22 March- Day1
6-6:15pm - Registration & Introduction
6:15pm-7:20pm - Introduction (to the cultural practice and history of Butoh and Japanese tea ceremony)
(10min break)
7:30pm-8:50pm - A ritual > Movement exercise
(10min debrief)
Saturday 23 Sep - Day 2
10am-12:00pm - WarmUp/Exercise/Exploration(classic Butoh style)
12:00-12:45pm - Lunch break
12:45-1:00pm - Q and A
1:00-3:30pm - Introduction of Japanese tea ceremony (action, inaction and movement with object)
3:30-4:30pm - Creation/Discussion/Q and A
Sunday 24 Sep - Day 2
10:00am-12:00am - Warm-up/Exercise/Exploration(Contemporary Butoh style)
12:00-12:45pm - Lunch break
12:45-1:00pm - Small discussion/Q and A
1:00-3:30pm - Exploring contemporary ritual > movement expression
3:30-4:30pm – Creation, discussion, feedback & debrief
FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare
WHEN
Fri March 22: 6pm-9pm (introduction ritual)
Sat March 23: 10am-4:30pm
Sun March 24: 10am-4:30pm
COST
$280/ $260
WHERE
OKTopia: 754R High St, Thornbury VICTORIA
#3 - Special Residential Workshop
Butoh・Tea/Ritual ・ Spirituality 舞踏・お茶/儀式・スピリット
(Photo: Residential Workshop @Arisaig 2019)
Over four days, Yumi will introduce participants to various movement skills and methods of Butoh, Ritual and the choreographic aspects of the Japanese tea ceremony. Participants will also explore their internal and external creative expressions through Jujutsu呪術, a Japanese notion of Shamanism.
The serene landscape will enable participants to delve deeper into their authentic "being" and cleanse their busy thoughts. Through shared meals and conversations, Yumi will guide participants in exploring their consciousness of well-being, from breathing and entering to silent walks and vocal expressions. This workshop offers an immersive experience into the intersection of movement, ritual and spirituality, inviting participants to reconnect with the mysteries of life and embrace a holistic humanity.
PLANNED SCHEDULE: Read more…
FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare
WHEN
Thur 11- Sun 14 April 2024
(arrive by 5pm on Thursday, Finishing late morning on Sunday)
WHERE
Arisaig
COST
Early Bird
$650 Full / $580Concession
Standard
$690 Full / $620Concession
(All meals are included, Japanese style vegetarian)
ACCOMMODATION
Participants will be camping (BYO Tent) amongst the beauty of the bush on this private land to allow for a deeper connection to Mother Earth. There are also airBnB available around the area.
(Short video from Butoh Residential Workshop 2019@ Arisaig)
'ProximiTEA'
'ProximiTEA' @ Oratory, Abbotsford Convent. 一服差し上げます。是非お越しください〜
Japanese Tea Ceremony
'ProximiTEA'
Yumi Umiumare and Taka Takiguchi
We are serving 'ProximiTEA' @ Oratory, Abbotsford Convent. 一服差し上げます。是非お越しください〜
"Take part in a performance and installation featuring classical and contemporary Japanese tea ceremonies. Sit down with Yumi and Taka as they invoke the Japanese notion of ‘ma’ or ‘active pause’ and serve you a bowl of ‘proximiTEA’ through intimate and playful rituals."
WHEN: Saturday 27 April 2024
WHERE: Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford, Melbourne
Room: 𝗢𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
𝟭𝟮𝗽𝗺 – 𝟰𝗽𝗺 (𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝟭.𝟯𝟬𝗽𝗺 – 𝟮.𝟯𝟬𝗽𝗺)
Part of Abbotsford Convent Open Day, Read More
Special Residential Workshop - APRIL 2024
Special Butoh Residential Workshops at the great off-grid site (and a fab studio!) @ Arisaig Wellness Retreat!
Contact Yumi to enquire about future Residential Workshops.
(Short video from Butoh Residential Workshop 2019@ Arisaig)
Butoh・Tea/Ritual ・ Spirituality
舞踏・お茶/儀式・スピリット
Over four days, Yumi will introduce participants to various movement skills and methods of Butoh, Ritual and the choreographic aspects of the Japanese tea ceremony. Participants will also explore their internal and external creative expressions through Jujutsu呪術, a Japanese notion of Shamanism.
The serene landscape will enable participants to delve deeper into their authentic "being" and cleanse their busy thoughts. Through shared meals and conversations, Yumi will guide participants in exploring their consciousness of well-being, from breathing and entering to silent walks and vocal expressions. This workshop offers an immersive experience into the intersection of movement, ritual and spirituality, inviting participants to reconnect with the mysteries of life and embrace a holistic humanity.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare
WHEN
Thur 11- Sun 14 April 2024
(arrive by 5pm on Thursday 11th, finishing late morning on Sunday 14th)
WHERE
339 Limestone Rd
Yandoit VIC 3461
Arisaig
COST
(All meals are included, Japanese style vegetarian)
Early Bird - by 29 Feb 2024
$650 Full / $580Concession
Standard
$690 Full / $620Concession
ACCOMMODATION
Participants will be camping (BYO Tent) amongst the beauty of the bush on this private land to allow for a deeper connection to Mother Earth. There are also airBnB available around the area.
3-NIGHTS RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOP: BUTOH, TEA/RITUAL & SPIRITUALITY
WHAT WE DO
Yumi is conducting 3-nights residential workshop introducing her mastery skills of body awareness through Butoh, her ongoing passion for ritual and ceremony through elements of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and her recent focus on exploring Jujutsu 呪術 - a Japanese notion of Shamanism.
This unique workshop series allows participants to explore the intersection of movement, ritual, and spirituality ⏤ fostering a deeper connection to the self, others, and the world around.
By integrating Butoh, the Japanese tea ceremony, and spiritual concepts like Jujutsu, participants will delve into:
Embodiment and Presence: Immerse yourself fully in the moment, expressing raw emotions and experiences through Butoh while creating simple rituals to enter sacred spaces with mindfulness and intention.
Symbolism and Ritual: Explore rich symbolism and ritualistic elements, discovering the philosophy of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and its essence of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility, abstracted through contemporary Butoh styles.
Mysteries and Magic: Delve into the mysteries of Jujutsu, where everyday life intersects with the sacred and the profane, exploring the spiritual link between the visible and invisible worlds.
Transformation and Self-Expression: Experience catharsis through movement, ritual and spiritual exploration, uncovering deep emotions and releasing tension.
Reconnecting these powers into the arts is essential for Yumi’s creative practice, and this is a great opportunity for participants to share in that process.
This workshop is open to participants of all levels of experience and artistic discipline.
PLANNED SCHEDULE
(subject to be changed)
THURSDAY 11 APRIL
Arrive by 5pm, settle in, set up tent etc.
Dinner
Session #1 (Gathering)
FRIDAY12 APRIL
Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast
Session# 2
Lunch
Session# 3
Dinner
Session #4 (Gathering)
SATURDAY 13 APRIL
Silent walk and exercise
Breakfast
Session# 5
Lunch
Session# 6
Dinner
Performance (OPTIONAL)
SUNDAY 14 APRIL
Breakfast
Gathering, debrief and packing
10:30am Departure
THE WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE AND ARTISTIC DISCIPLINARY.
A LIMITED NUMBER IS AVAILABLE!
天理大学創作ダンス部 第19回単独公演 にて振付
日本でもトップクラスである天理大創作ダンス部の振り付け担当、2023年12月17日（日）於：なら１００年会館 大ホールにて単独公演で発表する。
天理大学創作ダンス部 第19回単独公演 「結」— 想いをつなぐ—
天理大学創作ダンス部は、1969（昭和44）年創作舞踊同好会として発足。84年部に昇格。夏の全国大会やコンクール、単独公演など様々な舞台に向けて、個性豊かな作品創りをめざしている。その実績はこの数年めざましく、今夏の全日本高校・大学ダンスフェスティバルにおいて、特別賞を受賞した。
ゆみうみうまれはゲスト・アーティストとしてこの公演で小作品を振付している。
2023年 12月 17日（日）
会場：なら１００年会館 大ホール
開場：17時30分
開演：18時00分
A special choreography for the Tenri University Creative Dance's annual performance
Yumi was invited to choreograph for the 19th Annual performance event by Tenri University, Nara, Japan @ Nara Century Hall, 17 Dec 2023
19th Annual performance by Tenri University, Nara, Japan @ Nara Century Hall, 17 Dec 2023
Yumi is invited as a guest choreographer to create a short work for the Creative Dance Club in Tenri University, Nara, Japan. The title: ”結” Connecting our Feeling ”
This is their 19th annual event for the Creative Dance Club in the Tenri university, who has been winning several dance awards in the Japanese university competitions.
17(Sun) Dec 2023
Venue：Nara Century Hall (Main Hall) なら１００年会館 大ホール
Open ：17 :30
Start: 18: 00
Buried TeaBowl-OKUNI tours to OzAsia Festival 28, 29 Oct 2023
Buried TeaBowl-OKUNI tours to Adelaide, OZAsia Festival.
Buried TeaBowl – OKUNI is an intimate and epic solo performance piece. It is a fusion of dance, text, and song, underscored by dynamic visual elements, a compelling original musical score, and of course – a tea ceremony.
A Proustian, unruly one-woman show, a work of pleasure and bite. — The Saturday Paper
Buried TeaBowl – OKUNI is an intimate and epic solo performance piece. It is a fusion of dance, text, and song, underscored by dynamic visual elements, a compelling original musical score, and of course – a tea ceremony.
Drawing inspiration from the historical Japanese female entertainer, Izumo no Okuni, initiator of Kabuki theatre in early 1600s Japan, Buried TeaBowl – OKUNI is a visceral adventure – a transcendent feast for the senses.
At the height of her creative prowess, Yumi Umiumare, Australia’s leading Butoh artist, unearths precious sacred female powers all too often buried throughout history. Yumi’s channelling of the multifaceted Okuni (who was so powerful, yet fragile and complex) culminates in a powerhouse solo performance that refuses to be defined by genre. Furious, funny, wistful, strange, and wild. Buried TeaBowl – OKUNI will carry you on a bizarre, unruly and heartfelt journey as only Yumi Umiumare can.
DETAIL AND BOOKING
CREATIVE TEAM
Created and Performed : Yumi Umiumare
Cinematographer/ Editor : Takeshi Kondo
Composer/ Sound Designer : Dan West
Lighting designer: Emma Lockhart-Wilson
Dramaturg/ Maude Davey
Provocateur : Moira Finucane
Producer : Kath Papas productions
Stage Manager: Celina Mack
Photographer: Vikk Shayen
Photo by Vikk Shayen
SereniTEA@ MONA FOMA Feb 2023
SereniTEA
@Mona Foma , Feb 2023
At Fairy Dell, Cataract Gorge, Launceston
SereniTEA was performed as a part of Morning Meditation program in Mona Foma 2023/
SereniTEA was performed as a part of Morning Meditation program in Mona Foma 2023/
SereniTEA
@Mona Foma , Feb 2023
At Fairy Dell, Cataract Gorge, Launceston
The PopUp Tearoom Series offers various experiences through the ritual of tea ceremonies, installations and performance. Audience are invited to sit and have a bowl of matcha tea(sereniTEA) and pop-up performances will be happening during the rituals/
The inspiration came from the traditional Japanese tea-ceremony room, which has a small door under which people have to bow to enter and exit. This symbolises the fact that all people are born from, and return to, the same place. The samurai of the medieval period had to leave their sword behind to participate in the ceremony, stripping back the experience to the bare essence of being and soul. As long ago as the 16th century, tearooms were created in war zones, with the tea ceremony functioning to relieve emotional stress and restore social order. The deep sense of presence and silence afforded by the Tearoom offers participants time to pause and reflect amongst our busy life of daily rituals.
PopUp Tearoom Series have been experimented in Australia, Japan, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Philippines and Hong Kong.
Buried TeaBowl- OKUNI: Ready for Tour!
Buried TeaBowl -OKUNI is an intimate and epic solo performance installation bringing together dance, text, song and tea ceremony. The work was premiered in May 2022 with sold out season and now ready for touring around the globe!
“...the traditional Japanese tea ceremony a 21st century feminist spin. ... a Proustian, unruly one woman show, a work of pleasure and bite.”
“…so strange and grotesque, it almost defies description”
“dense and visceral at the same time.”
INSTALLATION - PERFORMANCE - TEA
ABOUT
Buried TeaBowl -OKUNI is an intimate and epic solo performance installation bringing together dance, text, song and tea ceremony with stunning film captured in 2021 during the lockdown.The work is inspired by the Japanese historical female dancer and shrine made Okuni, who initiated Kabuki theatre in the early 1600s, which women were banned from performing after these times.
At the height of her powers, Yumi Umiumare, Melbourne performance legend and Australia’s leading Butoh artist, unearths precious sacred female power which has been buried throughout history.Yumi channels the multifaceted character of Okuni who was so powerful, yet fragile and complex, to reawaken her spirit through excavating these buried stories and myths.
CREATIVE TEAM
Created and Performed : Yumi Umiumare
Cinematographer/ Editor : Takeshi Kondo
Composer/ Sound Designer : Dan West
Lighting designer: Emma Lockhart-Wilson
Dramaturg/ Maude Davey
Provocateur : Moira Finucane
Producer : Kath Papas productions
Photographer: Vikk Shayen
Graphic design : Mariko Naito & Taka Takiguchi
Calligraphy: Hisako Tsuchiya
Publicity : Diana Wolfe
PHOTO CREDITS
Vikk Shayen (Above)
Takeshi Kondo (Below)
The show was premiered at the BlackCat Gallery in May 2022.
SUPPORT & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS for the premiere season
The premiere season was supported by the Besen Family Foundation and BLACKCAT Gallery.
IN-VOCATION たまおこしResidential Workshop
30March-3 April 2023
@Raven’s Nest -Venus Bay, South Gippsland
Butoh, Drama, Voice with SPIRITS!!
with Special International Guest Artists from JAPAN!
Kayo Tamura and Kyoko Amara
IN-VOCATION たまおこし
RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOP
by Yumi Umiumare with Kayo Tamura, Kyoko Amara from Japan
Butoh, Text and Voice from your ‘deeper source’
This is unique residential workshop, exploring movement, text and voice, through 呪術 Jujutsu, Japanese notion of shamanism, translated as ‘Magic’ at the stunning beach location in Venus Bay, Gippsland.
Melbourne based performance artist Yumi Umiumare is facilitating the workshop, with her international collaborators from Japan, Kayo Tamura (A shaman in theatre!) and Kyoko Amara (professional clairvoyant/singer). The intention of the event is to open up new possibilities of interweaving between arts, nature and spirituality.
Over the 5 days, this ‘magic triangle’ of three artists, will introduce various exercises to guide the participants to open their ‘creative portal’ in order to;
Access your inner, deep sources of creativity
Extract individual and authentic expressions
Find ways of expressing with movement, word, voice and sound
The exercises includes;
Movement : ‘what comes from within’ from Butoh method (Yumi)
Text: ‘Authentic self-portrait series’ from drama technique (Kayo)
Guided meditation to find out own ‘power animal’ from shamanism method (Kyoko)
The stillness and wildness of the landscape enables us to explore our deeper and authentic "being" and helps to cleanse our busy thoughts. Through sharing food and gentle conversation, these powerful female artists will lead participants to explore their consciousness of well-being, essence of ‘personal ritual’ from breathing, walking, moving, and occasional screaming and laughter.
2 hours from Melbourne, the Raven’s Nest retreat space is located in Venus Bay on 14 acres of waterfront, forested sanctuary in South Gippsland. The 2 storey house has sunrise to sunset views, large yurt, massive deck spaces, outdoor dance floors and camping areas, private walking tracks & national park access.
Tama Okoshi: たまおこし
Tama means soul, Okoshi means upheaval or awaken
THE WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE AND ARTISTIC DISCIPLINARY.
A LIMITED NUMBER IS AVAILABLE!
Enquiry
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL GUEST ARTISTS
Kayo Tamura is an accomplished performance artist who fearlessly blazes her own trail with a strong background in theory, performance, writing, and directing. Kayo is a founder and artistic director of the GUMBO Theatre Group in Osaka since 1994. The company has performed in Edinburgh, Australia, Asia and North America and has won numerous awards. In 2022, they successfully completed a six-month tour of North America and won seven awards. Kayo is a Hong Kong Fringe Club Honorary Member (2015–), Asian Youth Theatre Festival Japan Team Advisor (2018–), Kamikoma Cats Artistic Director (2017–), Sakai International Community Arts Artistic Director (2019–).
Kyoko Amara loves the scent of the soul. She is a “channeller” or clairvoyant in Japan who has held sessions with over 9000 people. Over 20 years, she has been working as a singer with shamanistic drumming. Her main work is to spiritually convey the roots of people’s souls. She has also been engaged in art and shamanistic activities through Butoh performance, painting female genitals, holding workshops for feminine liberation and ceremonies. In 2017, Kyoko moved from Tokyo to the foot of Mt. Hayachine in northern Japan to organise events in a 100-year-old folk house, "Ihatov Mountain and Water Sunshade”.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare (Movement)
Kayo Tamura (Drama)
Kyoko Amara (Voice)
WHEN
Thu 30 March - Mon 3 April 2023
WHERE
Raven’s Nest
Venus Bay, South Gippsland
COST
Early Bird - $650 Full/ $550Concession
Standard - $690Full / $590Concession
(All meals are included, Japanese vegetarian)
ACCOMMODATION
Participants will be camping (BYO Tent) amongst the beauty of the bush on this private land to allow for a deeper connection to Mother Earth. There are also rooms available in the house, for those wishing more comfort. Beds are limited so book your spot now!
PLANNED SCHEDULE - (SUBJECT TO BE CHANGED)
Thursday 30 March
By 5pm Arriving, settle in, setting up tent etc
6:30pm Dinner
8pm Session 1 (Gathering)
Friday 31 March
6:30 am Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast 8am
10-1pm Session 2
Lunch 1:15pm
3-6pm Session 3
Dinner 6:30 pm
8pm Session 4 (Gathering)
Saturday 1 April
6:30 am Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast 8am
10-1pm Session 5
Lunch 1:15pm
3-6pm Session 6
Dinner 6:30 pm
8pm Session 7 (Gathering)
Sunday 2 April
6:30 am Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast 8am
10-1pm Session 8
Lunch 1:15pm
3-6pm Session 9
Dinner 6:30 pm
8pm performance preparation
9pm Performance
Monday 3 April
Breakfast 8am
Gathering, debrief and packing
10:30 am Departure
PHOTOS FROM LAST WORKSHOP (DEC 2022)
IN-VOCATION たまおこし Performance in FRAME: biennial dance festival
Performed at FRAME in 2023 at Dancehouse
Performed by Yumi Umiumare, Kayo Tamura and Kyoko Amara
Installation by Jacqui Stockdale
Sound by Ai Yamamoto
Punk, playful, and exuberant, this is an intimately epic and profanely sacred ritual.
When: 21 (Tue) March 7pm and 28(Tue) March 7pm and 9pm ( 3 shows ONLY )
Where: Dancehouse 150 Princes St Carlton North, Victoria
BOOKING
Entangling old world Kabuki mystique with volumetric 3D video, “IN-VOCATION たまおこし” summons the sacred power of female archetypes and deities.
In collaboration with a clairvoyant from Japan, local artists, and an international guest performer, Yumi Umiumare opens a Jujutsu 呪術 (Magic) portal to discover the colourful characters of OKUNI — an initiator of Kabuki Japanese theatre.
Evolving out of Yumi’s solo work, “Buried TeaBowl – OKUNI”, the team of mystics return to prod their collective memories and discover the many essences of the divine feminine.
Punk, playful, and exuberant, this is an intimately epic and profanely sacred ritual that incites an audience revolt of the spirit.
CREDIT
Choreographer: Yumi Umiumare
Performers: Yumi Umiumare, Kayo Tamura (Theatre Group Gumbo, Osaka), Kyoko Amara (Taiyosha, Iwate)
Visual Artist: Jacqui Stockdale
Sound Designer: Ai Yamamoto
3D Video: EMD Studio, Centre for Transformative Media Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology.
Original score from “Buried TeaBowl – Okuni”: Dan West
Original video from “Buried TeaBowl – Okuni”: Takeshi Kondo
Image credits: “IN-VOCATION たまおこし” (2023), Yumi Umiumare. Photo by Vikk Shayen.
IN-VOCATION たまおこしWorkshop Series : Butoh, Drama, Voice with Spirits.
3 special workshop from 18 March- 3 April 2023
This is unique workshop series , exploring movement, text and voice, through 呪術 Jujutsu, Japanese notion of shamanism, translated as ‘Magic’. Yumi Umiumare is facilitating 3 workshop, with international guest artists from Japan, Kayo Tamura (a queen of comedy/shaman in theatre) and Kyoko Amara (clairvoyant/earth voice singer).
ABOUT
This is unique workshop series , exploring movement, text and voice, through 呪術 Jujutsu, Japanese notion of shamanism, translated as ‘Magic’.Melbourne-based Butoh dancer/choreographer Yumi Umiumare is facilitating 3 workshop, with international guest artists from Japan, Kayo Tamura (a queen of comedy/shaman in theatre) and Kyoko Amara (clairvoyant/earth voice singer). This ‘magic triangle’ will introduce various exercises to guide the participants to open their ‘creative portal 'thus becoming a ‘medium’ for their own expression.
The intention of the event is to open up our new possibilities of interweaving between arts, space, human, nature and spirituality.
たまおこし（Tama Okoshi）: Tama means soul, Okoshi means upheaval or awaken.
Please contact us directly if you want to participate in ALL and make special financial arrangements.
All workshops are open to all, those with and without dance or theatre experience.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL GUEST ARTISTS
Kayo Tamura is an accomplished performance artist who fearlessly blazes her own trail with a strong background in theory, performance, writing, and directing. Kayo is a founder and artistic director of the GUMBO Theatre Group in Osaka since 1994. The company has performed in Edinburgh, Australia, Asia and North America and has won numerous awards. In 2022, they successfully completed a six-month tour of North America and won seven awards. Kayo is a Hong Kong Fringe Club Honorary Member (2015–), Asian Youth Theatre Festival Japan Team Advisor (2018–), Kamikoma Cats Artistic Director (2017–), Sakai International Community Arts Artistic Director (2019–).
Kyoko Amara loves the scent of the soul. She is a “channeller” or clairvoyant in Japan who has held sessions with over 9000 people. Over 20 years, she has been working as a singer with shamanistic drumming. Her main work is to spiritually convey the roots of people’s souls. She has also been engaged in art and shamanistic activities through Butoh performance, painting female genitals, holding workshops for feminine liberation and ceremonies. In 2017, Kyoko moved from Tokyo to the foot of Mt. Hayachine in northern Japan to organise events in a 100-year-old folk house, "Ihatov Mountain and Water Sunshade”.
Workshops OVErVIEWS
WORKSHOP #1 - SPACE 場所
Butoh, Voice and Drama 1 day workshop
19(Sun) March @ 10-4pm
At Dancehouse
$120/$80
WORKSHOP #2 - PEOPLE 人
Butoh and Beyond : Weekend Performance Making Laboratory
25 (Sat) March 26(Sun) @10-4pm
At Abbotsford Convent
$220/$200
WORKSHOP #3 - NATURE 自然
Special Residential Workshop
30(Thur)March- 3 (Mon) April
At Raven’s Nest, Venus Bay
$650/$550 (early bird) $ 690/$590
Booking
WORKSHOP #1 - SPACE 場所
BUTOH, VOICE and DRAMA 1 DAY WORKSHOP
This is an 1 day workshop, introducing the three artists’ core creative methods, exploring movement, text and voice, through 呪術 Jujutsu, Japanese notion of shamanism, translated as ‘Magic’.
The workshops includes,
Physical exercise through Butoh and creative movement
Guided work for story telling and text
Guided meditation for accessing inner guid and ‘power animal’
Translated by Yumi Umiumare(English / Japanese)
Special Guest: Hisako Tsuchiya (Calligrapher/Yumi's mother from Japan)
Workshop Details
FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare (Movement)
Kayo Tamura (Drama)
Kyoko Amara (Voice)
WHEN
19(Sun) March 2023
@ 10-4pm
WHERE
Dancehouse
150 Princes Street
Carlton North VIC
WORKSHOP #2 - PEOPLE 人
Butoh and Beyond : Weekend Performance Making Laboratory
So you don’t think you can dance?
Or you don’t think you can sing or act?
The ‘magic triangle’ from Japan offers a creative solution through Butoh and Beyond!
Over the weekend, the three artists will introduce their creative methods, through various exercises of Butoh, voice, drama and unique styles of performance making. They will guide the participants to open their ‘creative portal’ thus becoming a ‘medium’ for their own expression. In Japanese, the character of ‘actor’ is written as ‘俳優’ which literally means ‘non-human excellence'. We can all experience this extraordinary state of excellence bordering on the 'non-human' through moving, singing, acting and just being our natural selves.
If you are interested in exploring these magical realms, please join this workshop.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare (Movement)
Kayo Tamura (Drama)
Kyoko Amara (Voice)
WHEN
25 (Sat) & 26(Sun) March 2023
@10-4pm
WHERE
ABBOTSFORD CONVENT
1 St Heliers Street
Abbotsford Convent VIC
WORKSHOP #3 - NATURE 自然
Special Residential Workshop
This is unique residential workshop, exploring movement, text and voice, through 呪術 Jujutsu, Japanese notion of shamanism, translated as ‘Magic’ at the stunning beach location in Venus Bay, Gippsland.
Melbourne based performance artist Yumi Umiumare is facilitating the workshop, with her international collaborators from Japan, Kayo Tamura (A shaman in theatre!) and Kyoko Amara (professional clairvoyant/singer). The intention of the event is to open up new possibilities of interweaving between arts, nature and spirituality.
Over the 5 days, this ‘magic triangle’ of three artists, will introduce various exercises to guide the participants to open their ‘creative portal’ in order to;
Access your inner, deep sources of creativity
Extract individual and authentic expressions
Find ways of expressing with movement, word, voice and sound
The exercises includes;
Movement : ‘what comes from within’ from Butoh method (Yumi)
Text: ‘Authentic self-portrait series’ from drama technique (Kayo)
Guided meditation to find out own ‘power animal’ from shamanism method (Kyoko)
The stillness and wildness of the landscape enable us to explore our deeper and authentic "being" and helps to cleanse our busy thoughts. Through sharing food and gentle conversation, these powerful female artists will lead participants to explore their consciousness of well-being, the essence of ‘personal ritual’ from breathing, walking, moving, and occasional screaming and laughter.
2 hours from Melbourne, the Raven’s Nest retreat space is located in Venus Bay on 14 acres of waterfront, forested sanctuary in South Gippsland. The 2 storey house has sunrise to sunset views, large yurt, massive deck spaces, outdoor dance floors and camping areas, private walking tracks & national park access.
THE WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE AND ARTISTIC DISCIPLINARY.
A LIMITED NUMBER IS AVAILABLE!
Enquiry
PHOTOS FROM LAST WORKSHOP (DEC 2022)WORKSHOP DETAILS
FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare (Movement)
Kayo Tamura (Drama)
Kyoko Amara (Voice)
WHEN
Thu 30 March - Mon 3 April 2023
WHERE
Raven’s Nest
Venus Bay, South Gippsland
COST
Early Bird - $650 Full/ $550Concession
Standard - $690Full / $590Concession
(All meals are included, Japanese vegetarian)
ACCOMMODATION
Participants will be camping (BYO Tent) amongst the beauty of the bush on this private land to allow for a deeper connection to Mother Earth. There are also rooms available in the house, for those wishing more comfort. Beds are limited so book your spot now!
PLANNED SCHEDULE - (subject to be changed)
Thursday 30 March
By 5pm Arriving, settle in, setting up tent etc
6:30pm Dinner
8pm Session 1 (Gathering)
Friday 31 March
6:30 am Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast 8am
10-1pm Session 2
Lunch 1:15pm
3-6pm Session 3
Dinner 6:30 pm
8pm Session 4 (Gathering)
Saturday 1 April
6:30 am Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast 8am
10-1pm Session 5
Lunch 1:15pm
3-6pm Session 6
Dinner 6:30 pm
8pm Session 7 (Gathering)
Sunday 2 April
6:30 am Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast 8am
10-1pm Session 8
Lunch 1:15pm
3-6pm Session 9
Dinner 6:30 pm
8pm performance preparation
9pm Performance
Monday 3 April
Breakfast 8am
Gathering, debrief and packing
10:30 am Departure
Cancellation Policy and Procedures
Once payment has been received via Trybooking, any cancellations must be made in writing to here.
1) Cancellations made in writing 4 weeks prior to the commencement of a Workshop will receive a 100% refund with the deduction of the Trybooking handling fee.
2) Cancellations made in writing 2 weeks prior to the commencement of a Workshop will receive a 50% refund.
3) Cancellations made less than 2 weeks before the commencement of Workshop or no-show will receive no refund.
4) There is no full/partial refund when/where the Participant does not appear at any day of the Workshop due to their own personal reasons outside Teachers(Yumi Umiumare, Kayo Tamura and Kyoko Amara)’s control including but not limited to illness; illness of any person accompanying you to the event, or other person for whom you need to care; transport failure or delay; or where you choose not to attend the event.
Butoh Residential Workshop 9 (Fri) - 12 (Mon) Dec 2022
Butoh Residential Workshop
9 (Fri)-12 (Mon) December 2022
@Raven’s Nest -Venus Bay, South Gippsland (2 hours from Melbourne)
Butoh, Ritual, Spiril
9 (Fri)-12(Mon) Dec 2022
At Raven’s Nest, Venus Bay, South Gippsland
Butoh, Ritual, Spirit
This popular Butoh residential workshop is moving to the new stunning beach location in Venus Bay.
2 hours from Melbourne , the Raven’s Nest is located in Venus Bay, 14 Acres of Water Front, Forested Sanctuary in South Gippsland. There are 2 Storey, 4 Bedroom House with Sunrise to Sunset Views, Yurt, Massive Deck Spaces, Outdoor Dance Floors and camping Areas, Private Walking Tracks & National Park access,
Over the 4 days, Yumi will introduce various skills and methods of Butoh, channeling our internal and external creative expression. The stillness and wildness of the landscape enables us to explore our deeper and authentic "being" and helps to cleanse our busy thoughts. Through sharing food and gentle conversation, Yumi will lead participants to explore their consciousness of well-being, essence of ‘personal ritual’ from breathing, walking, moving, and occasional screaming and laughter.
Butoh舞踏,originally called Ankoku Butoh (Dance of Darkness), was conceived in Japan during the late 50’s and early 60’s during the social turmoil after the war and sought to find an expression through dance. Rather than aspiring to an aesthetic ideal, the dance attempts to expose the joys and sorrows of life, exploring the most fundamental elements of physical and psychological existence. Yumi is renown for combining Butoh (the darkness) with lightness and a sense of humour to embrace a wholistic humanity.
Details:
Where: Raven’s Nest in Venus Bay.(2 hours from Melbourne)
When: 9(Fri)-12(Mon) December 2022
Cost : $390/$420 (Early Bird ) $420/$490
(Vegetarian meals are included)
Accommodation: Participants will be camping amongst the beauty of the bush to allow for a deeper connection to Mother Earth.
Additional options for beds available on request, during the booking process.
THE WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE AND ARTISTIC DISCIPLINARY.
A LIMITED NUMBER IS AVAILABLE!
PLANNED SCHEDULE
(subject to be changed)
FRIDAY 9 DEC
By 5pm Arriving, setting up tent, and settle in
6:30pm Dinner
8pm Session 1 (Gathering)
SATURDAY 10 DEC
6:30 am Silent Walk and Exercise
Breakfast
10-1pm Session2
Lunch
3-6pm Session 3
Dinner
8pm Session 4 (Gathering)
SUNDAY 8 DEC
6:30 am Silent Walk and Exercise
Breakfast
10-1pm Session5
Lunch
3-6pm Session 6
Dinner
8pm~ Performance preparation and Performance
MONDAY 9 DEC
Breakfast
Gathering, debrief and packing
10:30am Departure
Photo of the Raven’s Nest
ButohOUT! 2022 Spring - Performance Making Workshop Nov 2022
ButohOUT! 2022 Spring Seasons is conducting a weekend intensive workshops in November 2022, with this theme of ‘Kabuku (bent, out of the ordinary, beauty in distortion).
18(Fri),19(Sat) 20(Sun) 2022
@ Siteworks
“We're all kind of weird and twisted and drowning.” — Author: Haruki Murakami.
ButohOUT! 2022 Spring Seasons is conducting 2 more weekend intensive workshops; one in September and another in November 2022, with this theme of ‘Kabuku (bent, out of the ordinary, beauty in distortion).
These workshops are for you to explore the laboratory process of performance-making in both comprehensive and beyond-comprehensive ways in unique and ‘unknown’ Butoh styles.
Through her over 30 years of creating performances, Yumi Umiumare will guide you through her wide range of interdisciplinary approaches including, Butoh, cabaret, abstract theatre as well as practices in ritual and spirituality.
You are invited to present your short work developed during this process at ButohOUT! 2022 Performance season on 25(Fri), 26(Sat) and 27(Sun) November at Abbotsford Convent (optional).
Participants will be guided upon a search for something indescribable yet internally provocative; tantalising and thrilling. Together we will facilitate a dive into the unexpected wonders of a world in which anything is possible.
You will be guided to explore your own idiosyncratic creative process to ‘actualise’ your original inspiration and ideas. Through various Butoh-based exercises and experimentations, you will feel, sense, touch and listen to your deep creative sources.
The workshop includes:
>Guided warm up
>Exercises for awakening the senses of the body, mind and spirit
>Laboratory process of actualising a work as an individual, pairs or in groups
>Feedback and assistance for your individual process.
This workshop is considered a more advanced workshop for people who are familiar with Butoh processes and ways of working. However, it is open to beginners and enthusiasts of Butoh who are willing to dive into the deep end.
The planned activities are as below.
> Day 1 - Friday 18 Nov
5:30 - 6:15 am - Registration, sign up, introducing each other
6:15 - 7:30 pm - Physical warm up and exercises
7:30 - 7:35pm - (5min break)
7:35 - 9:00pm - Exercise #1: Defining what to create and explore : what are your subjective/objective ideas?
> Day 2 - Saturday 19 Nov
10:00am - 12:00pm - Exercise #2: Defining Ideas and Materials : what are your ‘visible’ and ‘invisible’ components?
12:00 - 12:45pm - Lunch break
12:45 - 1:00pm - Questions and Conversation
1:00 - 3:45pm - Exercise #3 : Exploring Various Styles : what is your favourite/challenging form and style?
3: 45 - 4:00pm - Discussion Q and A
> Day 3 - Sunday 20 Nov
10am - 12pm - Exercise #4 : Narrative/Non-Narrative and Transformation : what is your trans-formation?
12:00 - 12:45pm - Lunch break
12:45 - 1:00pm -Questions and Conversation
1:00 - 3:00pm - Exercise #5 : Make it up!! : How can you finally actualise your performance in shape and non-shape?
3:00 - 4:00pm - Creation of a short work, discussion, Q and A, feedback & debrief
Buried TeaBowl- OKUNI
Buried TeaBowl -OKUNI is an intimate and epic solo performance installation bringing together dance, text, song and tea ceremony with stunning film captured in 2021 during the lockdown.The work is inspired by the Japanese historical female dancer and shaman Okuni, who initiated Kabuki theatre in the early 1600s, which women were banned from performing after these times.
INSTALLATION - PERFORMANCE - TEA
Buried TeaBowl -OKUNI is an intimate and epic solo performance installation bringing together dance, text, song and tea ceremony with stunning film captured in 2021 during the lockdown.The work is inspired by the Japanese historical female dancer and shaman Okuni, who initiated Kabuki theatre in the early 1600s, which women were banned from performing after these times.
At the height of her powers, Yumi Umiumare, Melbourne performance legend and Australia’s leading Butoh artist, unearths precious sacred female power which has been buried throughout history.Yumi channels the multifaceted character of Okuni who was so powerful, yet fragile and complex, to reawaken her spirit through excavating these buried stories and myths.
CREATIVE TEAM
Created and Performed : Yumi Umiumare
Cinematographer/ Editor : Takeshi Kondo
Composer/ Sound Designer : Dan West
Lighting designer: Emma Lockhart-Wilson
Dramaturg/ Maude Davey
Provocateur : Moira Finucane
Producer : Kath Papas productions
Photographer: Vikk Shayen
Graphic design : Mariko Naito
Calligraphy: Hisako Tsuchiya
Publicity : Diana Wolfe
The show was premiered at the BlackCat Gallery in May 2022.
Date/Time:
Thu 5 May 8:30pm – Preview
Fri 6 May 8pm – Opening
Sat 7 May 8pm
Sun 8 May 6pm
Wed 11 May 8pm
Thu 12 May 8pm
Fri 13 May 8pm
Sat 14 May 8pm
Sun 15 May 6pm
Duration: 80 mins
Tickets:
Full: $35 / Con: $25
Superiori-TEA: $50 incl. drink on arrival
Address:
BlackCat Gallery
420 Brunswick St
Fitzroy 3065
Vic Australia
PHOTO CREDITS
Vikk Shayen (Above)
Takeshi Kondo (Below)
SUPPORT & AKCNOWLEDGEMENTS
This season is supported by the Besen Family Foundation and BLACKCAT Gallery.
呪術プロジェクト
このプロジェクトは、メルボルン在住のアーティストゆみ・うみうまれによる研究プロジェクトで、日本のシャーマニズムともいえる呪術とアートの関係を探求するものです。
写真：Mathew Lynn・Vikk Shayen・Jodie Hutchinson | グラフィックデザイン：Takashi Takiguchi
このプロジェクトは、ゆみ・うみうまれによる研究プロジェクトで、日本のシャーマニズムともいえる呪術とアートの関係を探求するものです。
このプロジェクトを通して、ゆみは、科学者、アニマル・コミュニケーター、チャネラー、呪術スペシャリストや司祭者（冠婚葬祭の儀式と仕事にしている人）の日本人の専門家や、アボリジニの人を含む現地オーストラリアのアーティスト達との会話を通し、さまざまなエクスペリメントをしてゆきます。
私たちがこの地球上に生きていく以上、全てが人が人生のクリエーター（アーティスト）になれるのではないか？という望みとともに、この度のお話会を通し、スペシャリスト達から学んだ貴重なお話や、体験談をシェアしてゆく機会です
是非ご参加ください！
”このプロジェクトは「芸術は呪術だ！」という岡本太郎の言葉から触発を受けて始まったものです。３０年以上、アーティスト・芸術家として生きてきた私の目に、再びこの言葉が目飛び込んできたのも、「呪術的パワー」をアートの根本として捉え直してみたい、という渇望のようなものからです。アートがエンターテーメントや娯楽、商業としてのみ存在しかねない現代社会の中、いま私たちはアーティストは何を問いただし、熟考し、行動してゆくべきか。まさにこのコロナ渦の現代、見えない不安や情報に踊らされている今こそ、この「見えない力」というものに目を向け、耳を傾け、匂い、触り、味わってみる、まさに五感を駆使して、さらに「六感」を鍛えてゆく作業が芸術の持つ「呪術的パワー」を復興させる過程になるのではないかと思えてならないのです。” ゆみ・うみうまれ
今回のイベント内容
ゆみのアートについての簡単な紹介
スペシャルゲストの分野についてのご紹介
「呪術とは？」「アートと呪術の関係は？」などの会話を通してのQ&A
簡単なメソッドとワークショップ
Zoom 日時
２０２２年
★ １月 30日（日）日本時間@９:００am-１１：００am
シリーズ #3:アマラ京子（JAPAN)チャネラー・シンガー
★ 6月メルボルンにて終了
シリーズ #4: キャロライン・ヒギンス（AUSTRALIA)司祭者
★ １０月メルボルンにて終了
シリーズ #5: メルボルン大学・科学科学生と教授（AUSTRALIA)
２０２１年 （終了）
★１２月５日（日）日本時間@８:３０am-１０：００am
シリーズ #1:シャイヤ土屋（USA): アニマルコミュニケーター
★１２月１９日（日）日本時間@８:３０am-１０：００am
シリーズ #2: 濱田秀樹（JAPAN)：呪術スペシャリスト
ご登録
こちらから参加したい日程と各質問事項をご記入の上、SUMBITをクリックしてください。
Zoom Linkは各イベント日の前日に登録されたメールアドレスに送信されます。
スペシャルゲスト・ プロフィール
シャイヤ・土屋
長野県生まれ。ロサンゼルス、ラスベガスを経て現在セドナ在住。
日本・アメリカにて１５年以上の動物病院勤務の経験を持つ動物医療の専門家であると同時に、幼い頃から授かるスピリチュアル能力を活かし、アニマルコミュニケーターの先駆者であるペネロペ・スミス（Penelope Smith）に師事、アニマルコミュニケーションを極める。そのスピリチュアル能力は動物だけに限らず、高次元からのエネルギーを受け取るチャネリングを可能にし、また、各種コーチング・カウンセラースキルや心理・量子力学知識など現世スキルを駆使し、地に足のついたスピリチュアルとして、人々の癒しとより良い人生を歩んで頂くサポート役「ライフクリエーター」として活動の軸をシフトさせている。2010年から聖地セドナの持つ大地の力強さ・インスピレーションに魅せられ2014年移住。その能力から特にネイティブアメリカン組織より聖地巡礼や各セレモニーを司る資格を与えられ、大地に根付くシャーマニズムを身体に摂り入れている。現在ではシャーマニズムをベースにチャネリング、ソマチック、コーチングなど多岐に渡るスピリチュアルを統合したテラ・スピリチュアリズムを提唱し、人々の肉体・精神・魂の癒しと統合・再生のための活動を行うと共にそのスキルを広める人材育成に励んでいる。 シャイヤのHP
濱田秀樹
1965年、大阪府生まれ。シャーマニズム、呪術のスペシャリスト。
ネイティブアメリカン、ラコタ・スー族のメディスン・ウーマンであるキャロル・プラウドフット・エドガー氏にシャーマンとしての資質を見いだされる。1995年渡米、エドガー女史に師事しネイティブアメリカンのマインドや正式な儀式を学ぶ。世界のシャーマニズムの活動をサポートする組織”シャーマニック・サークルズ”で、唯一の日本人評議会メンバーを務める。
イーグルトライブ代表。心理セラピストとしても、ワークショップやトレーニングプログラムを行う。心理学が日常生活に役立つよう、参加者を指導し、様々な場所でシャーマニズムに関するワークショップを行っている。
イーグルトライブのHP
アマラ京子
魂のにおいが好き。 約20年前、突如声が降りてくるようになり、以来インディアンドラム片手に世界各地で唄い続け、日本のドラム&ヴォイスワークの第一人者でもある。 延べ9000人の魂をみてきたチャネラーでもあり、その人の魂のルーツを霊視し伝えることを生業にしている。 その他、舞踏パフォーマンス、女性器画家、女性性解放のワークショップ開催、ネィティヴアメリカンの秘技であるパワーアニマルセレモニーをするなど、アートとシャーマニズムな活動をこなす。2017年、東京から岩手県の早池峰山の麓に移住。「イーハトーヴ 山と水の太陽舎」という屋号で築100年の古民家をリフォームしながら、あらゆるイベントを展開中。
アマラ京子FBページ
このプロジェクトはビクトリア州クリエイティブ・ビクトリアによりサポートされてます
Jujutsu 呪術 Project
Jujutsu Project is a research project by Yumi Umiumare, exploring Jujutsu, the Japanese notion of shamanism. Yumi works with three artists and five specialists, including a first nations artist, a celebrant, scientists, a veterinarian/animal communicator and artists from diverse backgrounds in Australia, Japan & USA via online and live meetings.
Photo by Mathew Lynn, Vikk Shayen, Jodie Hutchinson | Graphic Design by Takashi Takiguchi
Jujutsu Project is a research Project, exploring Jujutsu
（呪術)
the Japanese notion of shamanism.
On-going research project about Jujutsu呪術: Japanese notion of Shamanism. Since 2021, Yumi has worked 5 specialists and 3 artists, including a first nations artist, scientists, veterinarian/animal communicator, clairvoyant, celebrant and artists from diverse backgrounds in Australia, Japan, Denmark and USA. Now it is in the process of making creative laboratory, which would be creating as a new performance work.
Yumi states;
“This project was inspired by Taro Okamoto's words, "Art is JuJutsu呪術 (magic)!” Having lived and practiced as an artist for more than 30 years, these famous word came to my awareness again because of the desire to recapture that "magical power" as the basis of art. During COVID-19, we frequently face ‘invisible’ fears and anxieties, this leads to the urgent question for artists ‘how should we act?’ Instead, how can we dance with the ‘invisible’ positive power of Jujutsu, through the analogy of our senses, ritual, quantum physics and inexplicable phenomena. I believe that making full use of our five senses and training our six senses, would be a one of the processes of reviving art with the magical power of Jujutsu”.
The interviews and collaboration were taken place via online and live meetings, explored the notion of ‘magic’ ‘spontaneity’ ‘inexplicable’ ‘invisible’ and connections between arts and Jujutsu. Yumi has also participated the online residency between Denmark-US-Australia, in BIRACA, Denmark.
The activities were funded by Creative Victoria, Creators Fund.
Summary Of Research Works
The summary of her research works were as below:
-
Aug 2021
-
March-May 2022
Working with Adrian Pearce, professor/ scientist(Melbourne) and PhD students in Melbourne university
Working with Shia Tsuchiya, animal communicator/veterinarian(USA)
Working with Hideki Hamada, Jujutsu expertise/psychotherapist, (Japan)
-
Dec 2021- March 2022
Working with Caroline Higgins, celebrant(Melbourne)
Working with Kyoko Amara, clairvoyant/singer/ healer (Japan)
-
July 2022- Oct 2022
Yumi has worked with the 3 established art practitioners of their expertise, Dalisa Pigram(Broome), Tony Yap (Melbourne), and Moira Finucane (Melbourne).
-
Nov/Dec 2022
Yumi has collected 99 creative material and conducted ‘Show and tell “of those 99 materials and create a final ‘ceremony’ as 100th material of dancing, at Sol Gallery, Melbourne.
Yumi states;
“My aim of this research project was to refresh and re-inspire my creative practice through diverse perspectives; science, spirituality, rituals and other no-arts practices as well as to find actual creative methods.Through the research of the Jujutsu (translated as Magic) I was able to recapture these "magical powers" as the basis of art and started to understand some ways of finding a creative portal through arts practice.
It was extremely rich and fulfilling process for me to work with various spiritual expertises, scientists and artists, as well as to interview people in Broome, where Japanese aboriginal cultures meets. Sharing the topics about ‘magic’ and ‘invisible’ power were incredible inspiring and nurturing process for me both personally and professionally. My objective for this research was to take me into the new and unknown territories in order for me to extend my creativity in arts, spirituality and well-being all all kinds of levels. It was very satisfying process for me to fulfil my objectives and share the processes with participated artists and practitioners, exchanging our expertise and insights, especially after having long restrictions through COVID.
I was also able to share my conversations and processes with arts and non-arts communities. I’ve interviewed over 20 people from non-arts background, and conducted 3 public Zoom sessions with 3 Japanese experts, which attracted over 80 people from Japan, Australia and other countries.
As I planned, I’ve held a public show and tell of showing the 99 creative materials, and one live performance to complete the process of the 100 Supernatural Tales. It was at Sol Gallery in 16 Dec 2022.
The creative materials of spontaneous, inexplicable, invisible and art, involving stories, visual, movements were;
• 12 self edited video works( including 5 dance video)
• 5 interview excerpts videos
• 20 stories
• 10 sounds
• 10 artefacts
• 42 visual photos and poetry
• 1 final dance
The Past Session DATES/times with Specialists
2022
★SUN 30th Jan @11:00am-1:00 pm (GMT+11)
Series #3 Kyoko Amara : Chaneller/Singer
★June - Completed (without Open Zoom sessions)
Series #4 Caroline Higgins: Celebrant
★Oct- Completed (Internal Zoom sessions only)
Series #5 Melbourne university science students
2021
★Sun 5th Dec @10:30am-12pm (GMT+11)
Series #1:Shia Tsuchiya: Animal communicator
★SUN 19th Dec @10:30am-12pm (GMT+11)
Seires #2 HIDEKI Hamada: Jujutsu Specialist
BOOKING
Please book via TRY BOOKING Link
Japanese Specialists’ Profiles
Shia Tsuchiya- Animal Communicator (SEDONA, USA)
Born in Nagano, Japan, Shia currently lives in Sedna, after working in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Shia has been a veterinary specialist with more than 15 years of experience working in veterinary clinics in Japan and the United States. Taking advantage of the spiritual abilities since her childhood, Shia started to follow her teacher, Penelope Smith, a pioneer of animal communicators. Shia works also as a healer to support people not limited to animals, and lead them a better life through receiving energy from higher dimensions. Since 2010, she has been fascinated by the sacred place Sedna then moved there in 2014.In recent years, she has been qualified to manage pilgrimages to sacred places and ceremonies, especially from Native American organisations, and has also conducted hiking and ceremonies for healing and regeneration of people's bodies, spirits and souls.Currently Shia advocates ‘terra spiritualism’ that integrates a wide range of spirituals such as channeling, somatic, and coaching based on shamanism. She also educate and foster people for their healing, integration, and regeneration of their bodies, minds, and spirits, as well as their skills.
Hideki Hamada - Jujutsu Specialist (OSAKA, JAPAN)
Born in Osaka in 1965, Hideki is a expertise of Jujutsu and shamanism in general. His shamanic qualities are found by Carol Proudfoot Edgar, a Native American Lakota Sioux medicine woman. In 1995, he went to the United States to study Native American mindset and formal ceremonies under Ms. Edgar. He is the only member of the Japanese Council of "Shamanic Circles", an organisation that supports the activities of shamanism around the world. He is also a psychotherapist and representative of Eagle Tribe to conduct workshops and training programs to be psychotherapist. Hideki works to make psychology useful in daily life, for participants to develop their effective interpersonal assistance skills.
Kyoko Amara
Kyoko likes the smell of the soul. Over 20 years, she has been working as a singer with shamanistic drumming and she describes ‘hearing as the voice suddenly began to come down’. Kyoko is also a ‘channeller’/clairvoyant in Japan, holding sessions with over 9000 people. Her main work is to spiritually convey the roots of people’s souls. She has been also engaged in art and shamanistic activities through Butoh performance, painting female genitals, holding workshops for feminine liberation and holding a power animal ceremony, which is a secret practice of the Native American people. In 2017, Kyoko moved from Tokyo to the foot of Mt. Hayachine in Iwate Prefecture, organising all kinds of events while renovating an 100-year-old folk house under the name of "Ihatov Mountain and Water Sunshade”.
Kyoko is renewing her website so her FB page is here.
This project is supported by Creative Victoria, Creators Fund 2021.
OnLine Butoh Unlocking our InnerBeast! #2
Yumi is running online Butoh sessions - Unlocking our InnerBeast! during Melbourne’s lockdown times in Aug and possibly extending to September 2021
Let us Release our inner-beast through Butoh!
Yumi is running 6 Butoh Sessions especially for people in the LOCKDOWN in Australia.
For our well-being, Yumi is introducing exercises of ;
>Grounding with gravity
>Energising through Chi (energy)
>Connecting own centre
>Opening up ‘new’ ways of moving
>Unblocking inner power
>Embracing our Inner Beast
and Release it!!
The details are as below.
Choose the dates through TRYBOOKING.
Pay as you can
You will get the Zoom link.
Find your own space for you to move and roll (wearing comfortable clothes)-check your dog or cat are not over excited around you.
Join the session
Enjoy!
Session times:
(MELBOURNE TIME GMT+10)
31 Aug | TUE | 6:00pm - 7:15pm
3 SEP | FRI | 10:30am - 11:45 am
7 SEP | TUE | 6:00pm - 7:15pm
10 SEP | FRI | 10:30am - 11:45 am
14 SEP | TUE | 6:00pm - 7:15pm
17 SEP | FRI | 10:30am - 11:45 am
Registration
In order to make classes safe and secure for everyone, a Zoom link will be sent to your email instead of having it publicly available.
PLEASE RESISTER 2HOURS BEFORE EACH SESSIONS.
PAY AS YOU CAN
This is open class/ workshop and you can pay in your own financial capacity.
Booking: TRYBOOKING.
Supported by ButohOUT! 2021
舞踏オープンクラス、火曜日の夜と金曜日の朝にあります。
上にある時間はメルボルン時間なので１時間早い時間が日本時間です。
上のリンクで予約をし、お金は払えるだけでお支払いください。
（火曜日：１７：００−１８：１５ 金曜日 ９：００−１０：１５）
Buried TeaBowl a new solo work in progress 2021
Yumi is creating a new solo work Buried TeaBowl, an interdisciplinary work with dance, text, song and poetry, inspired by Japanese female dancer/shaman, Okuni in 1600’s. The work in progress was completed in Aug 2021, and will be premiered in a live and digital performance in 2022.
photo by Vikk Shayen
Yumi's new solo work Buried TeaBowl, a work in progress, Aug 2021
Buried Tea Bowl is a new solo interdisciplinary work in development by Yumi Umiumare, bringing together dance, text, song and poetry with tea ceremony to create an intimate and epic work with both live and digital iterations.
Buried Tea Bowl channels the character of Okuni, a Japanese female shaman who initiated Kabuki during the Edo period (1600s). Kabuki comes from the word ‘Kabuku’, meaning bent or out of the ordinary, and was regarded as a subversive non-art form, passionately expressing ugliness and beauty. Later women were banned from performing Kabuki – the male performers who took over the art form can be seen as the first Japanese Drag Queens. Even though she was one of the most powerful female figures in theatre history, not many people know about Okuni, even in Japan.
Combining Yumi’s practice of Japanese tea ceremony, which flourished at the same period as Okuni was alive, she is choosing the ‘tea bowl’ as a creative metaphor of precious sacred female power which was buried under history.
Creative Team for Creative Development 2021
Created and Performed by Yumi Umiumare
In collaboration with
Cinematographer/ Editor : Takeshi Kondo
Composer/ Sound Designer : Dan West
Dramaturg : Maude Davey
Provocateur : Moira Finucane
Vocal Artist : Emma Bathgate
Shamisen Artist : Noriko Tadano
Photographer : Vikk Shayen
Producer : Kath Papas productions
This project has been assisted by
The Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body
City of Darebin, Cultural Infrastructure Grants
Abbotsford Convent Foundation, Pivot 2021
Wanna Be a Rabbit? by Weave Movement Theatre is now postponed till 2022
Wanna Be a Rabbit? the show by Weave Movement Theatre directed by Yumi Umiumare is postponed till 2022
A dynamic collaboration between Yumi Umiumare and Weave Movement Theatre. Highly visual physical theatre with a sense of the ridiculous.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the show is postponed till 2021.
Wannabe a Rabbit? is the outcome of the unique chemistry between Yumi Umiumare, international 'Butoh Cabaret' artist and Weave, a company of disabled and non-disabled performers.
Through Butoh-esque absurdity, highly visual physical theatre, text and startling installations, the work humorously reverses societal perceptions. It probes the human compulsion to categorise and judge. What are you? A wife, a worker, disabled, a refugee, black/white, an Aussie oi oi, a rabbit?
CREDITS
Director/Choreographer : Yumi Umiumare
Co-creator/Performers:
David Baker, Willow J Conway, Trevor Dunn, Janice Florence,
Zya Kane, Greg Muir, Emma Norton, Anthony Riddell, Takashi Takiguchi
Producer: Janice Florence (Artistic Director, Weave Movement Theatre)
Sound Designer : Dan West
Installation artist: Pimpisa Tinpalet
Costume designers: Joe Noonan & Brynna Lowen
Lighting designer: Rachel Lee
Videographer : Tan Kang Wei
Photographer: Vikk Shayen
Outside eye: Maude Davey
Photos (below) by Paul Dunn
Weekend Intensive Workshop 24(Sat) 25(Sun) April 2021 @ Abbotsford Convent
This is a unique weekend workshop for participants to dive into an interdisciplinary collaboration between Butoh, voice, and visual art. We will be led by a trio of oddball experts: Yumi Umiumare (Butoh), Emma Bathgate (voice) and Jacqui Stockdale (visual arts/mask/collage).
Yumi Umiumare and Pauline Sherlock. Collage elements by Jacqui Stockdale, graphic design by Monica Benova, photo by Mathew Lynn.
This is a unique weekend workshop for participants to dive into an interdisciplinary collaboration between Butoh, voice, and visual art. We will be led by a trio of oddball experts: Yumi Umiumare (Butoh), Emma Bathgate (voice) and Jacqui Stockdale (visual arts/mask/collage).
Participants will be guided upon a search for something indescribable yet internally provocative; tantalising and thrilling. Together we will facilitate a dive into the unexpected wonders of a world in which anything is possible.
“Something odd,
Something not fitting in
Something not matching
Something bent and broken
Something abandoned
yet something perfect for you at this moment”
All levels of experience are welcome to share the space, energy and interaction of our New Ab/Normal.
Details
Booking
Workshop Schedule (Subject to change)
Sat 24 April - Day 1
9:00am -9:30am - registration, sign up and introduction lead by Yumi Umiumare
9:30am-11:20am - Physical warm up with Butoh exercises
Short beak
11:30am-1:00pm - Voice warm up and experimentation lead by Emma Bathgate
Lunch Break 1pm- 1:45pm
1:45pm-2:00pm - Set up and introduction for the afternoon session
2:00pm-4:30pm - Visual arts experimentation lead by Jacqui Stockdale
Short break
4:40pm- 5:45 pm - Experimentation lead by Yumi, Emma and Jacqui
5:45pm- 6:00pm - Short debrief and Q and A
Sun 25 April - Day 2
9:00am -9:15am - Registration, sign up
9:15am-11:20am - Physical warm up with Butoh exercises
Short beak
11:30am-1:00pm - Voice warm up and experimentation lead by Emma
Lunch Break 1pm- 1:45pm
1:45pm-2:00pm - Set up and introduction for the afternoon session
2:00pm-4:00pm - Visual arts experimentation lead by Jacqui
Short break
4:10pm- 5:40 pm - Creation guided by Yumi, Emma and Jacqui
5:40pm- 6:00pm - Feedback and debrief