“A Bridge To Now” September 28 – October 2 in Lima, Peru!

 

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
presents the World Premiere of / presenta el estreno mundial de

 

“A Bridge to Now” / “Un Puente hacia el Presente” 

by the award-winning Lenora Lee Dance with choreographer / director / dancer Moyra Silva Rodríguez

por la galardonada Lenora Lee Dance con la coreógrafa / directora / bailarina Moyra Silva Rodríguez

 

Date: 1st October 8:30p.m.
Venue: Encuentro Internacional Danza PUCP
Universidad del Pacificos’ theatre (Lima, PE)
Jr. Gral. Luis Sánchez Cerro 2141, Jesús María, Lima Perú

 

CLICK HERE to reserve tickets / PULSE AQUÍ para reservar entradas

CLICK HERE to watch the video teaser / PULSE AQUÍ para ver el vídeo promocional

CLICK HERE to watch video from the Lima show / PULSE AQUÍ para ver el vídeo del espectáculo de Lima

 

“A Bridge to the Now” is a multimedia dance project that originates from the artistic collaboration between the Lenora Lee Dance company (USA) and director Moyra Silva (Peru). Developed in a hybrid format, combining remote and in-person work across different cities and countries, the project employs an interdisciplinary approach that includes dance, audiovisuals, and storytelling.

The project focuses on the migration of Chinese communities in the Americas, both in the North and South, gathering oral narratives and exploring connections between Chinese descendants in Peru and the United States. Through these stories, it seeks to build a “bridge” that connects the past with the present, promoting understanding and empathy among diverse communities, languages, and life experiences.

“A Bridge to Now” addresses the multicultural and intergenerational experiences of often marginalised and vulnerable communities. Through dance, the project explores historical migratory movements and creates connections that transcend linguistic and cultural barriers.

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“Un Puente hacia el Presente” es un proyecto de danza multimedia que surge de la colaboración artística entre la compañía Lenora Lee Dance (EE.UU.) y la directora Moyra Silva (Perú). Desarrollado de manera híbrida, combinando trabajo remoto y presencial en diferentes ciudades y países, el proyecto emplea una aproximación interdisciplinaria que incluye danza, audiovisuales, y la narración de historias.

El proyecto se centra en la migración de comunidades chinas en las Américas, tanto en el Norte como en el Sur, recolectando narraciones orales y explorando las conexiones entre descendientes de chinos en Perú y Estados Unidos. A través de estas historias, se busca construir un “puente” que conecte el pasado con el presente, promoviendo la comprensión y empatía entre comunidades, lenguas y experiencias de vida diversas.

“Un Puente hacia el Presente” aborda las experiencias multiculturales e intergeneracionales de comunidades a menudo marginadas y vulnerables. Mediante la danza, el proyecto explora los movimientos migratorios históricos y crea conexiones que trascienden las barreras lingüísticas y culturales.

 

 

Conceived, Produced & Directed by / Concepto, Producción y Dirección por
Lenora Lee, Moyra Silva Rodríguez

Choreography / Coreografía:
Lenora Lee (San Francisco), Moyra Silva Rodríguez (Lima)
in collaboration with / en colaboración con

Dance Collaborators / los Colaboradores de Danza:
José Avilés (Lima), Peter Cheng (New York City / Ciudad de Nueva York), and / y Lynn Huang, SanSan Kwan, Johnny Huy Nguyễn, Catalina O’Connor from / de San Francisco

Performed by / Interpretado por: José Avilés (Lima), Peter Cheng (New York City / Ciudad de Nueva York), Lynn Huang (San Francisco), Moyra Silva Rodríguez (Lima)

Recorded music directed by / Música grabada dirigida por: Francis Wong & Tatsu Aoki, with / con Kioto Aoki, JoVia Armstrong, Rami Atassi, Mwata Bowden, Ari Brown, Corey Chan, Suwan Choi, Deszon X. Claiborne, Coco Elysses, Jamie Kempkers, Avreeayl Ra, Karen Stackpole, Melody Takata, Edward Wilkerson Jr., Michael Zerang, courtesy of / cortesía de Asian Improv Records. Stock media provided by / Material de archivo proporcionado por SingingDogStudios / Pond5, zackdavid / Pond5.

Interviewees / Voz en Off de Entrevistados
(contributing to the audio score / contribuir a la partitura de audio):
Moyra Silva Rodríguez, Evelyn Hu-DeHart, Lok Siu, Maria del Pilar Rodriguez Wong, Xuan Gan, Evelyn Kcomt Whu, Julia Wong Kcomt, Yukon Choy, John Choy, Jorge Black Tam, Sun Cok, Marco Loo, Angie Chang. Special thanks to / Un agradecimiento especial a Sherman Ayala, Cecilia Maria Kcomt, Gabriela Kcomt, Diana Li

Family & Historic Photos / Fotos Familiares e Históricas:
courtesy of / cortesía de: Moyra Silva Rodríguez, Familia Rodríguez Wong, Grupo León, Julia Kcomt Wong, Marco Loo, Angie Chang

Media Design & Editing / Diseño y Edición de Medios:
Lenora Lee & Moyra Silva Rodríguez

Chinese Visual Art / Visuales en tinta china (Proyección): Sun Cok

Martial Arts consultants / Asesores de Artes Marciales: Walter Zuazo, Corey Chan

Cinematography by / Cinematografía por
Lenora Lee, Moyra Silva Rodríguez, Stephanie Cuyubamba Kong, Q Quan, Lucy Tafler

Translation & Subtitling / Traducción y Subtitulación: Moyra Silva Rodríguez

Sound correction / Corrección de Sonido: Joel Wanek

Production Manager / Gerente de Producción: Camila Vera

Lenora Lee Dance Project Consultant / Consultora del Proyecto: Lucy Tafler

Production Assistance / Asistencia de Producción: Stephanie Cuyubamba Kong

 

 

LENORA LEE DANCE

For the last 16 years Lenora Lee Dance (LLD) has pushed the envelope of intimate and large-scale multimedia, immersive dance performance connecting various styles of movement/dance, film, text, research and music to culture, history, and human rights issues. LLD’s works are set in both public and private spaces, inspired by individual stories as well as community strength. From the proscenium, to even underwater, the company’s pieces are site-responsive and immersive calling audiences into deep engagement with the work and environment. Through partnerships, LLD’s work has grown to encompass the creation, presentation and screening of films, museum and gallery installations, civic engagement, and educational programming signifying the power of art as a movement for change. www.LenoraLeeDance.com, IG: @LenoraLeeDance

Durante los últimos 16 años, Lenora Lee Dance (LLD) ha ampliado los límites de la danza inmersiva, íntima y multimedia a gran escala, conectando diversos estilos de movimiento/danza, cine, texto, investigación y música con la cultura, la historia y los derechos humanos. Las obras de LLD se desarrollan en espacios públicos y privados, inspiradas en historias individuales y en la fuerza de la comunidad. Desde el proscenio hasta bajo el agua, las obras de la compañía responden al lugar y son inmersivas, invitando al público a un profundo compromiso con la obra y el entorno. A través de asociaciones, el trabajo de LLD ha crecido hasta abarcar la creación, presentación y proyección de películas, instalaciones en museos y galerías, compromiso cívico y programas educativos que ponen de manifiesto el poder del arte como movimiento para el cambio. www.LenoraLeeDance.com, IG: @LenoraLeeDance

 

Moyra Cecilia Silva Rodriguez (co-artistic director of the project, choreographer, dancer) from Lima, Peru, holds a Master’s in Dance Anthropology and a Bachelor’s in Communication Science and Arts. Her Chinese-Peruvian heritage influences her exploration of art and identity, blending academic research with movement and visual arts. Awarded by the 2023 Economic Stimulus for Cultural and Arts Industries, Instituto Cultural Peruano Norte-Americano, Festival Artes Escenicas Lima, the German Federal Foreign Office, and Goethe-Institut, she is an Erasmus Mundus scholar (2020-2022) and collaborates with Lenora Lee Dance on Chinatown and Chinese-Peruvian projects. www.moyrasilva.com / @moyra_silva

(codirectora artística del proyecto, coreógrafa, bailarina) de Lima, Perú, tiene un máster en Antropología de la Danza y una licenciatura en Ciencias de la Comunicación y Artes. Su herencia chino-peruana influye en su exploración del arte y la identidad, mezclando la investigación académica con el movimiento y las artes visuales. Galardonada por el Estímulo Económico a las Industrias Culturales y Artísticas 2023, el Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano, el Festival Artes Escénicas Lima, el Ministerio Federal de Asuntos Exteriores de Alemania y el Goethe-Institut, es becaria Erasmus Mundus (2020-2022) y colabora con Lenora Lee Dance en proyectos de Chinatown y chino-peruanos.
 

 

THE ARTISTS / LOS ARTISTAS

 

 

THE INTERVIEWEES / LOS ENTREVISTADOS

 

Angie Chang, Architect with a National University of Engineering degree, specializing in the architectural and heritage aspects of Chinese immigration in Peru. Published “Built Heritage of Chinese Immigration in Lima’s Historic Center,” and volunteered for the Andean Rural History Institute’s Journal on Barrios Altos. Active in the Peruvian-Chinese Association’s Youth Committee for five years, with leadership roles. Currently analyzing Chinese society facades in Lima’s Historic Center.

Arquitecta con título de la Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, especializado en la investigación académica sobre la inmigración china en Perú desde una perspectiva arquitectónica y patrimonial. Publicó el artículo “Patrimonio Construido de la Inmigración China en el Centro Histórico de Lima,” y colaboró como voluntario en el Journal del Instituto de Historia Rural Andina sobre Barrios Altos. Activo en la Asociación Peruano-China, en el Comité Juvenil durante cinco años. Actualmente, analiza las fachadas de la sociedad china en el Centro Histórico de Lima.

 

John Choy is an advertiser and communicator, a self-taught motivator, and a practitioner of what has done and continues to do him good. He is dedicated to spreading self-healing through Eastern philosophy rituals, and is a believer in faith, change, and evolution. He sees himself as a constant learner and a firm believer that for a door to open, one must be grateful and know how to ask, without forgetting that one is the maker of their own dreams and the creator of consequences.
@john_choy_/ Youtube: Vibrando Alto con John Choy
Photo credits: Aldis Siu

John Choy es un publicista y comunicador, motivador autodidacta y practicante de lo que le hizo y le hace bien, dedicado a difundir la autosanación a través de rituales de filosofía oriental, creyente de la fe, el cambio y la evolución. Se considera como un aprendiz constante, y fiel creyente que para que se abra una puerta, se debe agradecer y saber pedir, sin olvidar que uno es hacedor de sus propios sueños y fabricantes de consecuencias.

 

Yujon Choy Hau Yon (Instructor of the Dance Ensemble of the Chinese Benevolent of Lima)
Born in Lima on June 25, 1976. Third of four siblings. Fathers was born in the Village of Pai Long, Tai Shan Region, Guangdong province/China. Mother was born in Trujillo, Peru.I am father of two children. Former student of Colegio Peruano Chino 10 de Octubre, Bachelor of Communication Sciences from the UNIVERSITY OF LIMA, Member of the Dance Ensemble of the Chinese Benevolent of Lima since 1991. Instructor since 1995, coordinator from 2003 to 2015.

Yujon Choy Hau Yon (Instructor del Conjunto de Danzas de la Beneficencia China de Lima)
Nacido en Lima el 25 de junio de 1976. Tercero de cuatro hermanos. Padre nacido en el Pueblo de Pai Long, Región de Tai Shan, Provincia de Guangdong, China. Madre nacida en Trujillo, Perú. Soy padre de dos hijos. Exalumno del Colegio Peruano Chino 10 de Octubre, Bachiller en Ciencias de la Comunicación por la UNIVERSIDAD DE LIMA, Miembro del Conjunto de Danzas de la Beneficencia China de Lima desde 1991. Instructor desde 1995, coordinador desde 2003 hasta 2015.

 

Sun Cok (Multidisciplinary Artist Tusán) I am a professional looking to bridge traditional art and design techniques with applied digital methods. Since 1996, I have been dedicated to creating and developing artistic proposals and design projects aimed at establishing interdisciplinary languages.I have worked in traditional painting using oil, acrylics, watercolors, Chinese ink, sprays, collages, etc., as well as in audiovisual installations that include animations using techniques such as stop motion, analog and digital sound installations, net art, and more. Additionally, I am a teacher of traditional and digital illustration and infographics. https://www.behance.net/fscokde0d/ @suncok

Soy un profesional que busca crear un puente entre las técnicas tradicionales del arte, del diseño y las técnicas digitales aplicadas. Desde el año 1996 me dedico a la creación y concepción de propuestas artísticas y proyectos de diseño, que buscan crear lenguajes interdisciplinarios. He trabajado en pintura tradicional al óleo, acrílico, acuarelas, tinta china, sprays, collages, etc y en instalaciones audiovisuales que incluyen animaciones,con técnicas como el stop motion, instalaciones sonoras análogas y digitales, net-art, etc. Además soy docente de Ilustración tradicional, digital e infografía. https://www.behance.net/fscokde0d/ @suncok

 

Xuan Gan, Architect, makeup artist and cultural manager / Arquitecta, maquilladora y gestora cultural. Born in Zhuhai, Guangdong, in 1993, Xuan Gan arrived in Peru as an immigrant in 1996. She grew up surrounded by dishes and woks, as immigrants and children of Chinese immigrants usually do. Despite her parents’ stricter suggestions, she has an affinity for art. Currently, Xuan is a graduate of Architecture from the National University of Engineering and makeup artist. Photography by Pamela de Paz Photography (@pamela_de_paz_fotografia). Instagram: @nauxcorner

Nacida en Zhuhai, Guangdong, en 1993, Xuan Gan llegó a Perú como inmigrante en 1996. Creció rodeada de platos y woks, como suelen hacer los inmigrantes y los hijos de inmigrantes chinos. A pesar de las sugerencias más estrictas de sus padres, siente afinidad por el arte. Actualmente, Xuan es licenciada en Arquitectura por la Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería y maquilladora. Fotografia por Pamela de paz fotografía (@pamela_de_paz_fotografia). Instagram: @nauxcorner

 

Evelyn Hu-DeHart is Professor of History, American Studies * Ethnic Studies at Brown University. She was Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at Brown from 2002-2014, and Director of the Consortium on Advanced Studies in Cuba 2014-2015, 2019. She received her B.A in Political Science (Stanford University) and her PhD in Latin American/Caribbean history (University of Texas at Austin). In 2018 she was Visiting Professor at the Consortium for Advanced Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain. She has received two Fulbright fellowships, to Brazil and Peru, and lectures extensively in the United States, Asia, Latin America and Caribbean and Europe.

es Profesora de Historia, Estudios Americanos * Estudios Étnicos en la Universidad de Brown. Fue Directora del Centro para el Estudio de la Raza y la Etnicidad en Brown de 2002 a 2014, y Directora del Consorcio de Estudios Avanzados en Cuba 2014-2015, 2019. Se licenció en Ciencias Políticas (Universidad de Stanford) y se doctoró en Historia de América Latina y el Caribe (Universidad de Texas en Austin). En 2018 fue Profesora Visitante en el Consorcio para Estudios Avanzados en el Extranjero en Barcelona, España. Ha recibido dos becas Fulbright, a Brasil y Perú, y da numerosas conferencias en Estados Unidos, Asia, América Latina y el Caribe y Europa.

 

Cecilia Maria Kcomt, Loving Mother/Madre amorosa. Born in La Libertad, Peru, Cecilia Kcomt moved to Lima when she was nine years old. As an adult, she worked at a Chinese Embassy and a construction company. She married and left Peru for Mexico with her husband in 1985. She moved to the US a year later where she’s lived for over 35 years and raised three children. She considers the US her home, but occasionally visits Peru to see family.

Nacida en La Libertad (Perú), Cecilia Kcomt se trasladó a Lima a los nueve años. De adulta, trabajó en una embajada china y en una empresa de construcción. Se casó y se marchó de Perú a México con su marido en 1985. Un año después se trasladó a Estados Unidos, donde ha vivido más de 35 años y criado a sus tres hijos. Considera Estados Unidos su hogar, pero de vez en cuando visita Perú para ver a su familia.

 

Evelyn Ivette Kcomt Whu (age 42) was born in Lima, Peru. Her four grandparents are Chinese and settled in Peru. Evelyn studied in a Peruvian Chinese school, and is close to the Chinese community. She celebrates with her family the Chinese New Year, the Moon Festival, and by eating Chinese food. Evelyn and her family often go shopping on Capon Street, in Lima Chinatown.

Evelyn Ivette Kcomt Whu (42 años) nació en Lima (Perú). Sus cuatro abuelos son chinos y se establecieron en Perú. Evelyn estudió en un colegio chino peruano y está muy unida a la comunidad china. Celebra con su familia el Año Nuevo chino, el Festival de la Luna y comiendo comida china. Evelyn y su familia suelen ir de compras por la calle Capón, en el barrio chino de Lima.

 

Diana Li, Daughter of Cecilia Kcomt. Artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, currently residing and working in Huchiun, unceded Ohlone land. Her work is eclectic and evolving, from sound and video installations glitching diasporic memories, crochet affirmation clothing and accessories, and linocut prints of mythological creatures. A self-proclaimed “hija de chifa y chicha,” she traverses time and space to draw closer to the cultural lineage of her Chinese Cantonese and Peruvian ancestry. 

Artista establecida en la bahía de San Francisco, actualmente reside y trabaja en Huchiun, tierra Ohlone no cedida. Su obra es ecléctica y evolutiva: instalaciones de sonido y vídeo que mezclan recuerdos de la diáspora, prendas y accesorios de ganchillo y grabados en linóleo de criaturas mitológicas. Autoproclamada «hija de chifa y chicha», atraviesa el tiempo y el espacio para acercarse al linaje cultural de su ascendencia china, cantonesa y peruana.

 

Marco Loo, Art historian and designer/ Historiador del arte y diseñador. Marco Loo is an art historian and designer. He has worked on various curatorial projects, including “土生:回乡 Tǔshēng. Returns to the Country of the Center” at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Lima, which won the 2020 Llama Award from the Association of Curators of Peru. He researches artists of Chinese descent in Peru as a contribution of migration to Peruvian culture. He is currently the head of the Publishing Fund at the Antonio Ruiz de Montoya University.

Marco Loo es diseñador e historiador del arte, ha realizado proyectos de curaduría entre los que destacan “土生:回乡 Tǔshēng. Retornos al país del centro” en el Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Lima y ganador del premio Llama 2020 de la Asociación de Curadores del Perú. Investiga sobre artistas de ascendencia china en el Perú como aporte de la migración a la cultura peruana. Actualmente es jefe del Fondo Editorial de la Universidad Antonio Ruiz de Montoya.

 

Maria del Pilar Rodriguez Wong – I’m a freelance geologist with a Bachelor’s in Geology from the National University of Engineering (Peru), and advanced studies in Environmental Sciences and Landscaping from Universidad Agraria La Molina. My work specializes in geochemical exploration across South America and Mongolia. Passionate about Chinese history, culture, and migration to Peru, I’ve been inspired by my grandfather, Emilio Wong, to search and read books on this topic since youth.

Soy geóloga freelance con una Licenciatura en Geología de la Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (Perú) y estudios avanzados en Ciencias Ambientales y Paisajismo en Universidad Agraria La Molina. Mi trabajo se especializa en exploración geoquímica en América del Sur y Mongolia. Apasionado por la historia, la cultura china y la migración a Perú, me he inspirado en mi abuelo, Emilio Wong, para investigar y leer libros sobre este tema desde joven

 

Lok Siu (she/her/她). Associate Vice Chancellor for Research / Associate Vice Chancellor for Research. Professor, Department of Ethnic Studies / Profesora, Departamento de Estudios Étnicos. Dr. Lok Siu is Professor of Ethnic Studies and Asian American & Asian Diaspora Studies at UC Berkeley. She is an award-winning author and cultural anthropologist working in the areas of Chinese diaspora, Asian diasporas in the Americas, transnational migration, belonging and cultural citizenship, food, and ethnography. Siu has conducted field research in Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Peru, China, and the United States. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/ https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/faculty/lok-siu

La Dra. Lok Siu es catedrática de Estudios Étnicos y Estudios Asiático-Americanos y de la Diáspora Asiática en la Universidad de Berkeley. Es una galardonada autora y antropóloga cultural que trabaja en los ámbitos de la diáspora china, las diásporas asiáticas en América, la migración transnacional, la pertenencia y la ciudadanía cultural, la alimentación y la etnografía. Siu ha realizado investigaciones de campo en Panamá, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Perú, China y Estados Unidos.

 

Jorge Black Tam, Multidisciplinary Performing Artist and Poet / Artista escénico y poeta multidisciplinario
Jorge is a multidisciplinary artist who graduated from the IV Advanced Workshop for Actors with Alberto Ísola, and has studied under teachers such as Roberto Ángeles and Gilbert Rouviere. He has starred in “Cuaderno Negro de Almada” at the French Alliance Theater and participated in “Puertas” at the 34th ICPNA International Dance Festival. He is notable for creating “El Rezo de los Niños” and has written “Manta y Vilca,” which was presented at the Place of Memory (LUM). He conducts workshops on poetry and movement, and his poems are included in the Tusán anthology Hojas Sobre Las Raíces. He is currently working on the “Poetic Performance Concert: Tantas Voces, Tantas Veces” and is preparing a poetry collection.

Jorge es un artista multidisciplinario egresado del IV Taller Avanzado para Actores con Alberto Ísola, y con maestros como Roberto Ángeles y Gilbert Rouviere. Ha protagonizado “Cuaderno Negro de Almada” en el Teatro de la Alianza Francesa y participado en “Puertas” en el 34° Festival Internacional de Danza del ICPNA. Destaca en la creación de “El Rezo de los Niños” y ha escrito “Manta y Vilca”, presentada en el Lugar de la Memoria (LUM). Imparte talleres de poesía y movimiento, y sus poemas figuran en la antología tusán Hojas Sobre Las Raíces. Actualmente trabaja en el “Concierto Poético Performático: Tantas Voces, Tantas Veces” y está preparando un poemario.

 

Julia Wong Kcomt (1965-2024) Chinese-Peruvian writer and cultural manager, born in Chepén, a city in the northwest of Peru, into a family of Chinese immigrants. She has always been deeply engaged with art and identity expressions. The author of numerous poetry collections, novels, short story collections, and other works, Wong Kcomt explores themes of identity, migration, and womanhood. Her Chinese Peruvian heritage and experiences living across South America, Asia, and Europe heavily influence her work.

Escritora chino-peruana y gestora cultural, nacida en Chepén, una ciudad en el noroeste de Perú, en el seno de una familia de inmigrantes chinos. Siempre ha estado profundamente involucrada con el arte y las expresiones de identidad. Autora de numerosas colecciones de poesía, novelas, colecciones de cuentos y otras obras, Wong Kcomt explora temas de identidad, migración y feminidad. Su herencia chino-peruana y sus experiencias viviendo en Sudamérica, Asia y Europa influyen significativamente en su trabajo.

 

 

The creation, performance, and workshops of “A Bridge to Now” in Lima (September 28 – October 2, 2024) and San Francisco (March 28-30, 2025) are supported in part by Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Asian Improv aRts, Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center, California Arts Council, Kenneth Rainin Foundation, San Francisco Arts Commission, San Francisco Grants for the Arts, Zellerbach Family Foundation, and by Generous Individuals. “A Bridge to Now” has been awarded the 2023 Culture Stimulus in Peru. The Lima, Peru engagement is supported in part by Mid Atlantic Arts through USArtists International, a program in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Trust for Mutual Understanding.

La creación, representación y talleres de “Un Puente hacia el Presente” en Lima (del 28 de septiembre al 2 de octubre de 2024) y San Francisco (del 28 al 30 de marzo de 2025) cuentan con el apoyo parcial de Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Asian Improv aRts, Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center, California Arts Council, Kenneth Rainin Foundation, San Francisco Arts Commission, San Francisco Grants for the Arts, Zellerbach Family Foundation y de Generous Individuals. “Un Puente hacia el Presente” ha recibido el Estímulo a la Cultura 2023 en Perú. El compromiso de Lima, Perú, está apoyado en parte por Mid Atlantic Arts a través de USArtists International, un programa en asociación con el National Endowment for the Arts, la Andrew W. Mellon Foundation y el Trust for Mutual Understanding.

Special Thanks to / Agradecimientos especiales a: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Sherman Ayala, James Q. Chan, Angie Chang, Yujon Choy, Julia Kcomt Wong, Grupo Leon, John Choy, Alson & JoAnn Lee, Marco Loo, Maria del Pilar Rodriguez Wong, Aldis Siu

 

 

UPCOMING LENORA LEE DANCE EVENTS

“A Bridge to Now” excerpts performed in Lima Chinatown, Calle Capon
(Saturday, September 28, 2024, 11:30am)

“At the Heart of Barrio Chino: Tusán Perspectives” is a documentary dance film by Lenora Lee & Moyra Silva Rodríguez, currently in post-production. It is a companion project to “A Bridge to Now.” The film is made possible by Good Medicine Picture Company, Lenora Lee Dance, Generous Individuals.

“A Bridge to Now” premieres in San Francisco, California at Dance Mission Theater
(March 28-30, 2025)

PRÓXIMOS EVENTOS DE DANZA DE LENORA LEE

Representación de fragmentos de “Un Puente hacia el Presente”
en el Barrio Chino de Lima, Calle Capón
(Sábado, 28 de septiembre de 2024, 11:30am)

«At the Heart of Barrio Chino: Tusán Perspectives» es un documental de danza de Lenora Lee y Moyra Silva Rodríguez, actualmente en fase de postproducción. Es un proyecto complementario de “Un Puente hacia el Presente”. La película es posible gracias a Good Medicine Picture Company, Lenora Lee Dance, Generous Individuals.

“Un Puente hacia el Presente” se estrena en San Francisco, California, en el Dance Mission Theater (28-30 de marzo de 2025).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos: 1) Moyra Silva Rodríguez, Johnny Huy Nguyễn. 2) Moyra Silva Rodríguez, Peter Cheng. 3) Lynn Huang, José Avilés. 4) SanSan Kwan. 5) José Avilés and group. 6) Catalina O’Connor. 7) Johnny Huy Nguyễn and group. Photos by Robbie Sweeny

8) still of Moyra Silva Rodríguez in Lima Chinatown

August 16, 2024 | Categories: Community Events, Latest Updates, Uncategorized | Leave A Comment »

Convergent Waves: NYC 5/25-5/27 on Seaport Museum’s tall ship Wavertree

 

The award-winning Lenora Lee Dance, in collaboration with the South Street Seaport Museum, presents the World Premiere of the immersive, site-responsive, multimedia dance performances

 

Convergent Waves: NYC

 

1885 tall ship Wavertree at the South Street Seaport Museum
Permanently moored at Pier 16 (Fulton and South Streets), New York City
Saturday–Monday, May 25–27, 2024
1pm & 3:30pm shows

 

FREE admission, reservations required, limited capacity
Performances will begin on time, please arrive early.
Tickets and more information: seaportmuseum.org/convergent-waves

Additional images by Alice Chacon

“Convergent Waves: NYC” video teaser

 

Come aboard the Seaport Museum’s 1885 tall ship Wavertree, where the contemporary dance performance will unfold against the backdrop of this historic vessel. Choreographed by award-winning dancer-artistic director Lenora Lee and the talented performers, this slate of dance vignettes has been inspired by and created specifically for Wavertree to artfully showcase an interactive journey through different areas of the ship, while delving into the rich history of this international cargo vessel—the last of its kind. Dance will take place in the massive cargo hold, the forecastle where the crew ate and slept, the captain’s saloon, and more. The piece will provide insight into the unseen lives of the laborers who helped to build New York City into the global hub it is today and the unexpected role of the sea as a site for freedom from the racial and gender barriers of the era.

Sign up today to ensure your spot for a unique experience that weaves together movement, history, and maritime spirit. seaportmuseum.org/convergent-waves

The audience will not be seated during the one-hour event and will actively move throughout the ship to witness this site-specific performance to experience intimate and engaging moments with performers that include video projection, recorded original music, and text. Access to Wavertree for this program involves climbing a few stairs, walking up an angled gangway, and descending a few stairs onto the deck. The lower decks are accessible via stairs, while the upper deck requires navigating steep ladder-like stairs.

In the interest of safety for our dancers, performances will not take place in the rain. Advanced registration is encouraged for this free event but walkups will be accommodated as possible.

 

Audience Feedback from previous LLD immersive performances:

“It was a truly unique and powerful experience, and I feel fortunate to have witnessed it. It snuck into my dreams last night.”

“It was brilliant and emotionally powerful.”

 

 

NOTE FROM THE ARTISTS

by Johnny Huy Nguyễn

 

Who are the people that have built the United States? What are their stories? 

In the U.S. today, we are seeing the chasm of wealth inequality widen and the cult of personality grow for singular figures like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. In 2022, CEOs on average received 344.3 times the annual average salary of production workers in the key industry of their firm in the U.S. Within the next decade, economists estimate that the world is on course to see its first trillionaire.  

Yet how has this wealth been attained? On the back of workers; those who must labor to survive and endure dehumanizing labor conditions with little recourse. In researching for this piece, we learned that many of the ship’s crew generally consisted of men from economically poor regions of the world for whom employment aboard a sailing vessel was not an adventure, but a necessity. They worked long days tending to the needs of the ship for low pay. Who were these men who were gone months to even years at a time, struggling to keep their souls burning in the ubiquitous damp freeze, as the sea battered their bodies without a doctor on board?

Convergent Waves: NYC seeks to give these workers lost to time voice – to share not only their struggles, but their humanity, their dreams, and their lives. To honor their role in building New York City as a center of trade and connecting it to the rest of the globe. To acknowledge those who labor unrecognized in the modern day and recognize their right to humanity.

 

SOME BRIEF HISTORY

Tall Ship Wavertree was built in 1885. Only 20 years out from the abolition of slavery and 3 years out from the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. From 1885 to 1910, Wavertree circumnavigated the globe at least three times and called at ports all around the world, including: Ireland, Germany, France, and Belgium; Peru, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina; Sri Lanka, India, Burma, and Singapore; Australia; Canada, and the United States— landing here in New York in 1895.

Black men who found opportunities in the harbors as sailors were heavily integrated despite American laws restricting employment for Black people even after abolition. Life at sea was a way to escape enslavement and earn a free living in free states and in foreign ports.

Women also found their way aboard ships, but in secrecy. Disguising themselves as men, women sought better wages or to live a life without gender-based restrictions. The life of a sailor, though harsh and unforgiving, gave many men and women opportunities that were forbidden to them on land.

It was not uncommon for the ship’s Master to bring his family aboard. With many voyages lasting months or years, the only way to keep the family together was to bring them on the journey. While captains’ wives typically had no official duties, there are a number of examples of women learning navigation, and in one case even taking command of the ship after the captain had fallen ill.

 

CHARACTERS

Yuri Tang played by Naoko Brown

陳加恩 Chan Ga Yun played by IJ Chan

Sailing Master Tang played by Peter Cheng

Violet Kim Preto played by Flora Hyoin Kim Han

Lynette Preto played by Lynn Huang

Charlie Retcho played by Nelson Enrique Mejia Jr. 

First Mate Salcedo played by Miguel Miranda

Mikaela Preto played by Mikaela Morisato

Rigger Dỗ played by Johnny Huy Nguyễn 

Boatswain Patterson played by Caleb Patterson

Captain Preto played by Shannon Preto

Carpenter Woods played by Brandon Woods

 

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Captain Preto. Oversees the daily operations of the ship and brokers deals in the tramp trade. He’s fallen ill on this leg of the journey and finds himself needing to delegate his duties.

Lynette Preto. Captain Preto’s wife. In her time on the ship, she has learned navigation and with Captain Preto ill, helps take command of the ship. In the eye of the storm, she aids in bringing the ship, crew, and her family towards safety. 

Violet Preto. Captain Preto’s eldest daughter takes responsibility for the family’s chores and assists her father with any of his additional duties on the ship. She misses the mainland but feels a great duty to her family and the ship.

Mikaela Preto. Captain Preto’s youngest daughter born on a ship, she knows little of life on the mainland and has a strong attachment to the Wavertree and its crew.

Yuri Tang. An ethereal presence of the sea calling out to the crew of the ship as they long for loved ones and their hearts ache for home. She appears to Sailing Master Tang in the form of his wife back home.

First Mate Salcedo. Hailing from Peru and the son of a fisherman. Often at odds with Sailing Master Tang, his pride gets the best of him as he steers the ship into a storm. 

Sailing Master Tang. Coming from a long line of sailors, his father and grandfather worked for the East India Company. Close confidante to Captain Preto. He dreams of the warm seas of the Pacific and his beloved wife. 

Rigger Dỗ. Coming from a family of peasants, he works to send the little money he makes back to his wife and children. He cares deeply for the wellbeing of his peers.

Boatswain Patterson. Straightforward in manner with no deep ties to his former life on land. Finds himself drawn to the captain’s daughter, Mikaela.

Charlie Retcho. Chose to exchange the harsh work of the factories for the harsh work of the sea. A newer crew member looking to leave his past behind and live in the present.

陳加恩 Chan Ga Yun. Rejecting the roles assigned to women of her day, she has joined the crew disguised as a man. Her choice leaves her at odds with her family, as she longs to see the world.

Carpenter Woods. With few opportunities for Black men on the mainland, he works hard saving money to start his own trading business in Brazil, hoping to find true freedom.

Conceived, Produced & Directed by Lenora Lee

Choreography: Lenora Lee in collaboration with Performers / Dance Collaborators: Naoko Brown (Boston), IJ Chan (Boston), Peter Cheng (NYC), Flora Hyoin Kim Han (Boston), Lynn Huang (SF), Nelson Enrique Mejia Jr. (NYC), Miguel Miranda (NYC), Mikaela Morisato (NYC), Johnny Huy Nguyễn (SF), Caleb Patterson (NYC), Shannon Preto, Brandon Woods (NYC)

Recorded Music Composed by Vijay Iyer, Tatsu Aoki, Francis Wong

Text: Genny Lim & the cast

Media Design: Lenora Lee & Olivia Ting

Stage Managers: Shannon Preto & Lucy Tafler

Production Consultant: Hannah Pascoe

Production Assistant: Rebekah Joy Herrera

Translation: Jacinta Wu Goo, Mrs. Chan, Miguel Miranda

Photos: Alice Chacon, Victor Lin, Robbie Sweeny

Partner Organizations: South Street Seaport Museum, Asian Improv aRts, API Cultural Center, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

Music

Vijay Iyer
“Ascent”, “Proximity”, “Prayer” composed and performed by Vijay Iyer
“Ghost Time” composed by Vijay Iyer, performed by Fieldwork
The following are used by arrangement with ECM Records:
“Chorale” and “Geese” Composed by Vijay Iyer. Performed by the Vijay lyer Trio.
“Passage” Composed by Vijay Iyer. Performed by Vijay lyer and Wadada Leo Smith.
“Mutation X: Time” Composed by Vijay Iyer. Performed by Vijay Iyer, Miranda Cuckson, Michi Wianko, Kyle Armbrust, and Kivie Cahn-Lipman
“The Empty Mind Receives” Composed and performed by Vijay lyer and Wadada Leo Smith, published by Kobalt Music Publishing America Inc. and Kiom Music. (ASCAP).

Tatsu Aoki
“Let it not fall” composed and performed by Tatsu Aoki, with Kioto Aoki, Jamie Kempkers, Edward Wilkerson Jr., courtesy of Asian Improv Records. “Movement” composed and performed by Tatsu Aoki, with Mwata Bowden, Robbie Hunsinger, Paul Kim, Hide Yoshihashi, courtesy of Southport Records.

Francis Wong
“Revolutionary Process 1.0” (2013) BMI, from the “Trio SF” album (to be released in 2022). Composer and leader: Francis Wong. Performed by Francis Wong, Deszon X. Claiborne, Tatsu Aoki. Courtesy of Asian Improv Records.

 

 

LLD Staff & Consultants

Artistic Director: Lenora Lee

Project Consultant: Lucy Tafler

Rehearsal Director: Johnny Huy Nguyễn

Choreographic Assistant: Sawako Ogo

Graphic Design: Olivia Ting

Convergent Waves: NYC is part of a multi-city project made possible in part by National Endowment for the Arts, and the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Companion pieces by Lenora Lee Dance include Convergent Waves: Boston April 2022, Convergent Waves: SF June 2022

The Convergent Waves companion pieces in Boston, San Francisco and NYC are supported by ArtsEmerson, Asian Improv aRts, API Cultural Center, Asian Art Museum, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center / Pao Arts Center, California Arts Council, Chinatown Community Development Center, Fleishhacker Foundation, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, National Endowment for the Arts, San Francisco Arts Commission, San Francisco Grants for the Arts, South Street Seaport Museum, and by Generous Individuals. The creation, presentation of and production residencies for Convergent Waves: Boston were made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Its creation was also supported in part by an award to Pao Arts Center from the National Endowment for the Arts, and artist residencies at ArtsEmerson, Pao Arts Center, and Bunker Hill Community College.

 

 

ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES

 

Lenora Lee Dance
For the last 15 years Lenora Lee Dance (LLD) has pushed the envelope of intimate and large-scale multimedia, immersive dance performance connecting various styles of movement/dance, film, text, research and music to culture, history, and human rights issues. LLD’s works are set in both public and private spaces, inspired by individual stories as well as community strength. From the proscenium, to even underwater, the company’s pieces are site-responsive and immersive calling audiences into deep engagement with the work and environment. Through partnerships locally and nationally, LLD’s work has grown to encompass the creation, presentation and screening of films, museum and gallery installations, civic engagement, and educational programming signifying the power of art as a movement for change. www.LenoraLeeDance.com, @LenoraLeeDance

 

About the South Street Seaport Museum
The South Street Seaport Museum, located in the heart of the historic seaport district in New York City, preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city. Founded in 1967, the Museum houses an extensive collection of works of art and artifacts, a maritime reference library, exhibition galleries and education spaces, working 19th century print shops, and an active fleet of historic vessels that all work to tell the story of “Where New York Begins.” seaportmuseum.org
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March 7, 2024 | Categories: Community Events, Latest Updates, Uncategorized | Leave A Comment »