Katsura Kan
Extended Studies, in collaboration with Naropa University’s Departments of Performing Arts and Somatic Psychology, offers two open community workshops by Guest Artist Katsura Kan. Mr. Kan, from Kyoto, Japan, is known for provocative, transformative teaching, and unique productions based on Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno’s principles of Ankoku-Butoh (The Dance of Utter Darkness).

Katsura Kan is a native of Kyoto and a Master Butoh artist among the ranks of Japan’s first generation of Butoh. He performed with the seminal Butoh troupe “Byakkosha” (1979-1981) known for its austerity and integrity, rather than theatrical glamour. He is a celebrated solo artist, collaborative performer and choreographer. Kan has worked with what he calls “minority dancers” all over the world, in remote locations throughout Africa, Europe, South East Asia for the past 28 years, in addition to performing his creative works in cosmopolitan culture.

Katsura Kan’s Naropa residency includes these two community workshops, an intergenerational performance project in collaboration with Boulder’s Society for Creative Aging, and extensive work with MFA Theater; Contemporary Performance students over a 3 year period.