Methuselah
Methuselah was conceived in response to the urgent challenges posed by climate change, land conversion, and pesticide use along the migratory route of the Monarch Butterfly, which travels from Canada to overwinter in Oyamel woods in Michoacán, Mexico.
Methuselah is an innovative and experimental butoh opera—a unique fusion of Butoh dance, sound design, music composition, vocal performance, and immersive video. Conceived for an ensemble of dancers, singers and musicians. This performance uses field recording techniques, video, consultations with entomologists, and a collaborative approach to vocal composition and choreography. It is a collective effort that combines the surreal and evocative visuals inherent in Butoh with innovative sound design, music composition, and vocal artistry.
A key area of inquiry involves significant collaboration with composer and sound artist Jami Reimer. With classical training in voice, piano, and choral conducting, along with her experimental practice rooted in field recording and vocal devising, Jami brings a unique perspective to the project. Her ongoing work with ecologists, conservationists, and scientists—focusing on species, bioacoustics, and non-human vocality—combines electronic and acoustic elements. The sonic palette includes samples from our research trips to the Biasphora in Ocampo Michoacán, Mexico, and Point Pelee, Ontario, alongside a score composed by Jami, which incorporates synthesizers and voice in performance.
The Monarch Butterfly holds immense cultural significance in Mexican tradition, having been part of life in central Mexico since pre-colonial times. It is associated with dreams and the spiritual realm, adding a mystical layer to its cultural value. The butterfly symbolizes endurance amidst uncertainty and the precarious nature of migration, reflecting the resilience and depth of the human spirit. This project uses the Monarch as the flagship species to illustrate how human actions have contributed to the decline of many non-human species.
The recent reclassification of the Monarch Butterfly as endangered serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance of ecosystems and the far-reaching consequences of human intervention. By highlighting the Monarch’s struggles and triumphs, we emphasize the interconnectedness of species, cultures, and human experiences related to migration in response to environmental upheaval. This powerful exploration calls for awareness and action, uniting us in shared responsibility for our environment. While acknowledging the resilience of the Monarch, we also consider its unique and fragile predicament, along with the complex politics that entangle both the migrating human and her lepidopteran neighbour, each searching for home and habitat.
This research and creation process is a deeply personal and artistic response to the urgent environmental crises we face today, particularly regarding the plight of the Monarch Butterfly and its symbolic representation of migration through the transformative power of art. As a butoh artist, I resonate with the intricate, symbolic journey of the Monarch—a creature that embodies resilience, endurance, and metamorphosis in the face of adversity. This work aims to create a multi-layered, immersive experience that encourages the audience to reflect on their relationship with nature, the implications of climate change on diverse ecosystems, including our own, and their role in addressing these issues.
Furthermore, drawing inspiration from Tatsumi Hijikata, one of the founders of Butoh, we are invited to adopt an insect’s perspective to deepen our understanding of the world and the delicate balance of our interconnectedness. This research explores the fascinating ways in which insects perceive their environment, focusing on their unique sensory experiences, which may provide valuable insights into the limitations of human perception.
Humans typically rely on our five senses to navigate and interpret the world. However, our inherent traits—such as desire, attachment, and the instinct to survive—can sometimes cloud our perceptions and lead to a desire for accumulation. These tendencies may restrict our ability to connect with and care for our surroundings and others authentically.
By examining these limitations, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for interconnectedness and explore ways to enhance our capacity for empathy and understanding. Our goal is to engage in constructive speculation, opening the door to new perspectives and more enriching interactions with the world around us.