Ziyian Kwan – Odd Meridian

Tendrils is an ode to artists whose inspirational writings, teachings, and practices are living toolkits for survival and hope. Medicines for the healer in each of us. Ziyian Kwan brings her signature imagery and state-shifting presence to this solo that relays and responds to her correspondence with the late Canadian dance icon Tedd Robinson, alongside items from his creative archives that were gifted to her as part of 10 Gates Dancing’s Multiples Project.

Tendrils was created in fond memory of Tedd Robinson. 

Ziyian and Odd Meridian extend heart thanks to the artists who helped with creative process; to The Dance Centre and NewWorks for their partnership in supporting the creation of the Tendrils; and to The Canada Council For The Arts,The British Columbia Arts Council and City of Vancouver Cultural Services for their generous support. 

Choreographer and Performer: Ziyian Kwan

子嫣 Ziyian Kwan (she/her) is a 1st generation Chinese Filipina settler who lives on the unceded ancestral, occupied and stolen territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm. Skwxwú7mesh, and Səl̓ílwətaɬ First Nations. Since 1988, Ziyian has performed over 100 original works by an eclectic range of artists. Her own choreography collates images, movement, and language. As founding Artistic Director of Odd Meridian Arts, Ziyian stewards programming that is in conversation with the creative adventures of colleagues from across disciplines - including activities at Morrow, Odd Meridian’s cultural space. Energy at play, in bodies in worlds.

oddmeridian.ca

Lighting Designer: Chengyan Boon

Chengyan Boon is a lighting designer and technical director and a grateful guest on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations. He is a frequent collaborator with Odd Meridian Arts, Corporeal Imago, Crossmaneuver, Dance//Novella, Dancers of Damelahamid, Shakti Dance, and previously with the late Colleen Lanki at Tomoe Arts. He holds a BFA in Theatre Production and Design from UBC and is a member of IATSE ADC 659. Design portfolio at chengyanboon.com.

Original Music: Jo Hirabayashi, Stefan Nazarevich

Creative Consultants: Angie Cheng, Kaya Tsurumi, Joyce Rosario, Ariane Custodio, Kelly McInnes, Deanna Peters

Hat and Orbs: From the performance archives of Tedd Robinson, gifted by 10 Gates Dancing as part of its Multiples project