Have you ever thought about what your hair holds?Between Strands is a visually striking and emotionally resonant performance that explores memory, love, and loss through the symbolic power of hair. Drawing on Taiwanese rituals and East Asian traditions, it traces how life, grief, and remembrance pass between generations. From newborn hair-shaving ceremonies symbolising renewal to mourning practices that mark loss, hair becomes a thread connecting the living and the departed.The performance follows a young woman living in the UK as she navigates the death of her grandmother in Taiwan. Across distance and time, simple gestures — brushing hair, sharing childhood games, and recalling village stories — become enduring threads of connection. Through shadow play, movement, Taiwanese and English dialogue, and live sound influenced by East Asian instruments, the piece creates a tender, playful, and intimate theatre experience.What makes Between Strands unique is its combination of cultural specificity and universal emotion. It speaks to migrants, families separated by borders, and anyone who has experienced love and loss. In a city like London, where many carry home in more than one language, the story quietly resonates, reflecting the threads of memory and heritage that bind us all.In a final, unforgettable moment, the granddaughter cuts a lock of her hair — discovering that letting go does not mean losing someone. Heartfelt, comedic, and visually evocative, Between Strands invites audiences to reflect on life, death, memory, and the invisible threads that continue to connect us across generations.
|
