Memories Before History. Umusuna is a very old word originating from ancient Japan that has the same root as ubusuna, one's place of birth.

Over the course of the past 35 years, the work of Ushio Amagatsu for his company Sankai Juku has become known worldwide for its elegance, refinement, technical precision, and emotional depth. His contemporary Butoh (a form of Japanese dance theatre developed mid-20th century) creations are sublime visual spectacles and deeply moving theatrical experiences. As one of the premier choreographers at work in the world today, the arrival of a work bu Ushio Amagatsu is a much-anticipated event. Sankai Juku returns to North America in the fall of 2015 with their latest creation Umusuna: Memories Before History (2013). This exquisite new work evokes the essence of duality and unity encapsulated in the Chinese characters for "birth" and "earth" that combine to form the work's title, creating a beautiful landscape that unfolds before our eyes.—Ulf Kjell Gür