The Dondoro Theatre was founded in Tokyo in 1974 by Hoichi Okamoto. Although its expressive style comes from butoh forms Okamoto creates a new kind of theatre by combining traditional forms of the Jepanese theatre – bunraku with the elements of modern mime art and dancing techniques. The uniqueness of the theatrical style emanating the world of emotions and deep unconsciousness is determined by the use of masks and human size puppets which are constructed by the author himself. Hoichi tries to expose the charm and unique features of the puppet even if it requires moving the emphasis of the play and abandoning the plot. The presence of the puppet and impressively clever animation appeal to the audience with passion and mysterious beauty. The traditional legend of a betrayed woman acquires unique and truly modern form. The Dondoro performance shows silent but turbulent drama of erotic fascination, love, betrayal and death.

Okamoto possesses a unique ability to erase the border between reality and fantasy. He creates a new dimension on the stage in which animated objects painfully press upon our imagination.- Village Voice (USA)