Helen Smith

Helen Smith
Creative assistant, Performer

Helen Smith is a physical theatre performer, art director and teacher, based at the University of Melbourne, Trinity College. Her influences are Japanese artforms, including Butoh and Suzuki actor training. Helen was first introduced to the world of Physical Theatre, through Brisbane-based company, Zen Zen Zo with whom she trained, taught and performed nationally and internationally from 1993 to 2010.

Helen trained in Japan under several Tokyo-based masters from the lineage of both Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno, the two recognised founders of Butoh. During her 4-year stay in Tokyo, she performed with Natsu Nakajima, Seisaku and Dance Medium, Kazuo Ohno as well as creating her own solo, A Dance For All Seasons, a part of which was choreographed by the late Yukio Waguri. Helen’s Theatre Research at Monash University focused on the transformative power of Butoh.

The journey with Yumi Umiumare spans 9 years beginning with performances of DasSHOKU SHAKE! in Australia and Japan, and regular appearances at ButohOUT as performer, forum facilitator and presenter.