Seattle International Butoh Festival 2026

From November 19-22, 2026, the festival features internationally acclaimed master Butoh artist Maureen Fleming (New York), a film by Seattle Butoh pioneer Joan Laage/Kogut Butoh, and performances by DAIPAN members Kaoru Okumura, Sheri Brown, Helen Thorsen, Dhyana Garcia Snyder, Robyn Bjornson, and Alycia Scott Zollinger plus a 2-day workshop and audience discussion led by Maureen. On opening night November 19th there will be a cabaret held at Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts in Pioneer Square. Together, these artists represent multiple generations of Butoh practice, honoring the form’s rich lineage while continuing its evolution in the Pacific Northwest. For sixteen consecutive years, the Seattle International Butoh Festival has welcomed artists from Japan, Europe, South America, and across the United States, creating one of North America’s longest-running gatherings devoted to the evolving art of Butoh.

Born in Japan and internationally celebrated for her visionary integration of dance, visual illusion, and movement poetry, Maureen Fleming has performed at Jacob’s Pillow, New York City Center’s Fall for Dance Festival, La MaMa ETC, and major festivals throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.
DAIPAN thanks our support from 4Culture and the City of Seattle Arts & Cultures and our fiscal sponsor is Shunpike.

Maureen photo credit: Lois Greenfield.