Improvisational theater originating in protests during the decades after World War II, Japanese butoh performances link modern dance, music and masks. This videotape studies the art form through excerpts from performances by Kazuo Ohno, Sankai Juku, Dai Rakuda Kan, Byakko-Sha, Muteki-Sha, Maijuku, Hakutobo and Tatsumi Hijikata, and through comments by butoh artists such as Yoko Ashikawa and Akaji Maro. Produced and directed by Michael Blackwood; narrator Russell Connor.