Kabuklub

ELEKTRO KAGURA presents ‘KabuKlub’, inspired by traditional Japanese Kabuki dance and fused with Berlin’s club culture. Directed by Ichi Go, the piece actively engages the audience and unleashes the raw energy of a Berlin club. Costumes made from second-hand garments are extravagantly designed by Hibiki Kawahara and Regina Gyr (Kostüm Kollektiv e.V.). Music composed by AXL OTL is performed live with guest musicians. Stage design and digital projections: Yukihiro Ikutani. Dancers and visual artists participate both on stage and as performers.

In traditional Kabuki theatre, only men are permitted to perform, playing both male and female roles. However, if one considers the origins of Kabuki dance, it becomes clear that the style was originally developed by a woman, Okuni (1572–1613?). Okuni was employed at a renowned shrine and performed her dance style at various locations throughout Japan. Her dance became so famous that it eventually gave rise to Kabuki dance.

Her dance style challenged gender roles in particular: Okuni took on male roles, whilst her partner played female roles. She drew inspiration from the so-called ‘Kabuki Guys’ – eccentric and unconventional figures who dressed extravagantly and displayed rebellious behaviour. Okuni incorporated this aesthetic and philosophy into her dance by having herself and her dancers swap gender roles. This defiance of social norms captivated the audience, and by the end, dancers and spectators had merged into a community, dancing together passionately and exuberantly.

A similar dynamic can be found in Berlin’s clubs, where social norms and conventions are broken and people dance day and night, with gender roles often becoming blurred. ELEKTRO KAGURA highlights these similarities between present-day Berlin and Japan of yesteryear, building a cultural and temporal bridge through this piece.

Scenography​

Music​

Choreography

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Organisation / Costume​​

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Curator​

Writer / Press

Media / Cook

Artist / Bar

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Technical Director, Light

Technical Support

Musik / Sound Tech.
Musik / Sound
Film

KabuKlub Performers

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Supported by