USA Projects

   The performance and interdisciplinary art of Michael Sakamoto and Waewdao Sirisook advocates a benevolent intercultural philosophy and challenges everyday assumptions about identity, relationships, and culture. Michael and Waewdao have created solo, ensemble, and group collaborative works with artists in America, Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia. Their future plans include new stage works based on Zen and Lanna (northern Thai) spiritual philosophy and an intercultural artist residency program between the USA and Thailand.

   Michael Sakamoto is an interdisciplinary artist active in dance, theater, performance, and media and is one of the leading contemporary butoh artists in America. His solo and ensemble works have been performed in 12 countries in Asia, North America, and Europe. Michael has won numerous grant awards, including from Japan Foundation, Arts International, Meet the Composer, Asian Cultural Council, James Irvine Foundation/DanceUSA, California Community Foundation, and many others.

   Waewdao Sirisook is the leading dance artist from northern Thailand active in traditional and contemporary dance. She has performed around the globe for 15 years as both an independent artist and cultural representative of the Government of Thailand. Her recently premiered ensemble work, "Lanna Dream," was the first-ever postmodern stage work created in Northern Thailand addressing self-exotification, the tourist gaze, and the commodification of indigenous culture.