SFist Tonight

Butoh dance is a post WWII form of modern Japanese performance art seen as a combination of dance, traditional Japanese theater, and mime, and which is described as provocative and shocking. Sounds like fun! The local Japanese dance group Theater of Yugen presents an evening of Butoh dance tonight, featuring nature-themed performances, along with music by new music ensemble the Nanos Operetta. 2840 Mariposa (between Florida and Alabama, near Project Artaud), 8 p.m., $15.

Other events:
--the Monday Night Marsh series at the Marsh SF, featuring local performers' works in progress. Intriguing-looking performances tonight include "Didgeridoo Player" and "Beowulf's Blog." 8 p.m., $7, 1062 Valencia (x 22nd).

--Jonathan Lethem reads from his new book You Don't Love Me Yet, about the travails of an LA indie rock band, at Booksmith. 7 p.m, free, 1644 Haight.

--Learn about the mind-body connection at the Canvas Gallery by Golden Gate Park, through the Ask A Scientist lecture series. 7 p.m., free, 1200 9th Ave. (x Lincoln).

--And hear people's embarrassing stories at Mortified. 8 p.m., $12 ($10 in advance), the Make-Out Room (3225 22nd St., x Mission).

Picture of tonight's butoh dancers from the Theater of Yugen website.