Performing everyday things: Somatic ecologies of butoh, phenomenology and Zen

Abstract

I write about butoh through a prism of Zen and phenomenology because they share similar philosophical outlooks on performance, and they explain everyday things. In articulating performance in the everyday, the progress of this reflective essay takes a somatic turn inward to matters of consciousness and ecosomatic convergence of body and nature. The several threads of this article relate through matters of ‘suchness’, a non-dual principle of Zen spanning several kinds of Buddhism. Suchness as perceptual oneness arises through meditative or neutral attention without attachment or need. I understand suchness in performance as attentive, generous presentation and witnessing ‐ these propelled by acumen and guidance more than criticism. Judgements can have simple good sense in suchness too. An attitude of suchness accepts things as they are, and people and performances as they are, whether in personal relationships or on the stage. Expectations are not lowered through suchness; they are open to curiosity and wonder. The article further develops ecosomatic performances for the reader to experience.