TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The renowned Japanese dance troupe Sankai Juku (山海塾) will bring its ethereal production, "Kagemi — Beyond the Metaphors of Mirrors" (影見－水鏡之彼方), back to Taiwan on Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 10-11) at the Taipei Performing Arts Center (台北表演藝術中心). This performance marks the troupe's return after a nine-year hiatus, paying tribute to the late founder Ushio Amagatsu (天兒牛大).
Since its 2000 debut at the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris, "Kagemi" has captivated the global dance community with its spiritual aesthetics. Spokesperson Semimaru explained that the piece reflects the quiet and understated atmosphere of Japan during its economic collapse. "The work's serene foundation captures that era's essence," he said.
New Aspect Art Director Fan Man-nung (樊曼儂) spearheaded the initiative to bring "Kagemi" back to Taiwan, honoring Amagatsu's legacy. The production, which caused a sensation during its 2008 Taiwan tour, features iconic visual elements, such as the rising and falling lotus leaves, which invite audiences to expand their worldviews.
Sankai Juku first performed internationally in 1980, blending stage imagery with Broadway-level lighting, influencing choreographers like Pina Bausch and Maguy Marin. While Amagatsu's vision introduced a bright aesthetic distinct from the darker styles of Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno, Sankai Juku's artistic essence remains unchanged after his passing, according to Semimaru.