When they are directed to engage in a combination of both English- and Japanese-language conversation with Ms. Yokoshi's Japanese temple dancer, their delivery turns amateurish.

WSJ: Giselle at the D?j?ji Temple | Yasuko Yokoshi | Bell | New York Live Arts | By Robert Greskovic

When, for instance, Ms. Yokoshi's direction has the trio approximate the vocalizing of Lady Gaga for the score's riff on the pop singer's song "Bad Romance, " they are at their most amusing and confident.

WSJ: Giselle at the D?j?ji Temple | Yasuko Yokoshi | Bell | New York Live Arts | By Robert Greskovic

Over the years Ms. Yokoshi, who lives and works in New York, has demonstrated her theatrical imagination and ability to create poetic performances marked by mystery, surprise and wit in works such as "Shuffle, " her 2003 solo, and "what we when we, " her 2006 work for a cast of five.

WSJ: Giselle at the D?j?ji Temple | Yasuko Yokoshi | Bell | New York Live Arts | By Robert Greskovic