dNaga's

Noodle Women

Rita Felciano once wrote about Naganuma that “she uses a fan like a weapon and a kimono like a paint brush.” This is true about Noodle Women but with chopsticks and silk.
 
New music composer Joel Davel weaves a sound score of text and electronic music sampled underneath his live performance. Flo Oy Wong’s voice is heard describing family life growing up with her developmentally delayed sister. These voices share personal stories that explore secrecy and shame.
 
"Within the traditional Chinese culture, children (especially girls) are not encouraged to present themselves in the way that I have choreographed for these young dancers (especially when creating movements that suggest being different or imperfect). Our hope is that awareness of the important themes the dance addresses can lead to more communication, acceptance and support within our own families."
 
Naganuma’s original design of the red silky costumes, flared cropped pants with an over tunic, shows the quirky stylistic nuances of a textile artist. The Chinese character whose multiple meanings include “girl” in a dismissive manner and “woman warrior” brands the front. The same red fabric is used during Naganuma’s solo that binds her; the color red representing good luck and happiness. The work offers a complex tapestry of cultural layers.
 
Dancemaker Claudine Naganuma has developed a truly unique artistic voice, one that with grace and beauty allows us to explore the underbelly. Visually complex, viscerally evocative, Noodle Women is a sophisticated, well-crafted piece of contemporary art.  

We are very excited about bringing this work to Chen Dance Theater in the heart of Chinatown.

Noodle Women on youtube