UMI (the Sea) is a Butoh/Taiko collaboration between OnenessButoh and Rain Ensemble.  UMI consists of two programs:  1) Ode to Minamata performed by OnenessButoh; and 2) Confluence performed by Rain Ensemble. 

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Judith Kajiwara, founder, choreographer and artistic director of OnenessButoh, invites you to this exciting production that pays homage to the courageous villagers of Minamata, Japan.  Villagers were suddenly stricken by a strange neurological disease.  Known as "Minamata Disease", what followed was a protracted effort to determine its cause.  While struggling with the devastating symptoms, it took 37 years before the cause was officially determined.  Chisso Corporation. a local plastics manufacturer, had been dumping nearly 27 tons of wastewater laden with methylmercury into Minamata Bay.  The mercury was ingested through contaminated fish, the main source of protein for the villagers.  

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The story of Minamata unfolds in 8 vignettes.  Joining forces with OnenessButoh is the dynamic taiko drumming of Rain Ensemble, founded and directed by Kallan Nishimoto.  Following Ode to Minamata, UMI will conclude with Rain Ensemble's premiere concert, entitled Confluence.  A cacophony of drums, bells, flute and percussion weave together the mystery of the Sea in sound and vision. 

Together Kajiwara and Nishimoto have created a dynamic tribute that combines the power of Butoh and Taiko in an emotional,. thought-provoking, memorable performance.  

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