Dimitris Papaioannou and the Edafos Dance Theatre

Emerging with the combination of dance and theatre discipline, 'the dance theatre' has given a new impulse to performing arts. The aim of this study is to research the contribution of the Dimitris Papaioannou and the Edafos Dance Theatre to the dance theatre. In accordance with this aim, the studies of Edafos Dance Theatre and Dimitris Papaioannou have been reviewed, rendered. In the Introductory Chapter of the study, dwelling upon the relation between dance and theatre, the notion of 'hybridism' has been explained. The juncture and intersection points of these two branches of art above-mentioned from past to present have been observed. The studies and persons emerging from the combination of dance-theatre from the time period of the first quarter of the 20th century to the present have constituted the First Chapter of the study. As this research is being made, the contributions of Pina Bausch and Wuppertal Dance Theatre, Folkwang School and Kurt Joos in which they have been playing the determining role for the development of dance theatre, have been examined. In consideration of this research and the findings, in the Second and Third Chapter of the study, the works of art of Dimitris Papaioannou and the Edafos Dance Theatre he founded have been reviewed and rendered through four main titles (The Trails of Robert Wilson, The Trails of Japanese Butoh, Existence Themed Art Works and Mythological Originated Art Works). The reviewed and rendered art works have been chosen in consideration of the main titles above mentioned. This study is aimed to create a resource for everyone who is keen on dance theatre.