Family Room

Family Room is a poignant dance theatre piece choreographed by Marissa Wong which explores immigrant life and cultural identity – and the complexities of her Chinese-Canadian upbringing and navigating her parents’ divorce. The innovative set design transforms the stage into a living room, each piece of furniture symbolizing familial connection and a foundation for interactions told through movement and text. Performed by three versatile dancers, Family Room is a deeply personal and intimate work, which touches on universal themes including frustration, belonging, and love.

Each show will be followed by a discussion facilitated by a counsellor, providing a supportive environment for audience members to share their reflections.

Choreography: Marissa Wong
Performers: Justin Calvadores, Tamar Tabori, Shana Wolfe
Sound composer: Jamie Bradbury
Costume design: Meagan Woods
Lighting Design: Jono Kim
Production/Stage Manager: Kayleigh Sandomirsky
Assistant Stage Manager: Agnes Hui
Set Design: Kayleigh Sandomirsky and Marissa Wong
Dramaturg: Raïna Von Waldenburg
Script Writer: Kryshan Randel
Talkback Facilitator: Brie-Ana Laboucane
Dramaturgical Consultation: Intisar Awisse
Outside Eye: Peter Bingham (through EDAM Choreographic Series)
Creative Research Collaborator: Stéph Cyr

Support: City of Vancouver - Communities and Artists Shifting Culture, Canada Council for the Arts - Research and Creation
Residencies: EDAM Dance Fall Choreographic Series 2021, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, plasticorchidfactory - Artist in Residence, The Dance Centre Artist in Residence

Premiere: April 19th & 20th, 2024 at The Faris Family Theatre presented by The Dance Centre and New Works Dance