A dynamic partnering duet between Megan Lowe and Brenton Cheng that challenges traditional ideas of male/female duets, and explores physical puzzles to deconstruct tropes often associated with Chinese heritage.
Thurs-Sun, Dec 9-12, Various Times
Megan Lowe Dances presents “Tangram”, a dynamic partnering duet between Megan Lowe and noted dance artist Brenton Cheng. This live performance challenges traditional ideas of male/female duets, which are frequently portrayed romantically and often displayed as a man lifting a smaller woman. By using physics/momentum, Brenton and Megan lift/are lifted by each other equally, leveling the playing field and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As dance artists with Chinese ancestry, Brenton and Megan deconstruct tropes often associated with Chinese heritage. “Tangram” is the culminating production—growing from the seeds of “Finger Trap” and “Maw Jaw“—that continues the mission of deepening roots to heritage, growing branches that extend into creative endeavors, and offering the fruits of those efforts back as thought-provoking dance performance.
To start off the evening, MLD will be sharing our film “Maw Jaw” created in partnership with Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center, which was presented as part of the 24th annual United States of Asian America Festival in free outdoor events at Portsmouth Square and Kapwa Gardens, May/June, 2021. “Maw Jaw” rehearsals occurred outside in public spaces—activating benches, railings, poles, stairs, and play structures around San Francisco Chinatown—inviting passersby to witness and be a part of the creative process, enhancing cross-generational community engagement, and inspiring interest in dance as a tool to engage with the environment/people around us.
In a time with particularly strong anti-Chinese sentiment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making work that contributes to the visibility of Chinese American artists feels especially urgent.
Megan Lowe Dances is fiscally sponsored by Dancers’ Group, and the “Tangram” project is honored to be supported by Kenneth Rainin Foundation NEW Program, Dancers’ Group’s CA$H Dance, FACT/SF Co-Production Grant, and generous individual donors.
Proof of vaccination is required for entry into this show. Please bring the physical card, a photo, or a CA-issued QR code.
Masks required at all times.
The dancers are all fully vaccinated and will be performing unmasked.
Photo by RJ Muna