Tiger Hands
by Benjamin Akio Kimitch
The Shed, as part of Open Call 2022
The Shed, as part of Open Call 2022
The Shed, as part of Open Call 2022
The Shed, as part of Open Call 2022
In Tiger Hands, choreographer Benjamin Akio Kimitch dreams beyond the worn-out mantra of East-meets-West. Inspired by his formative training in Chinese dance and intimate encounters with Peking opera, Kimitch’s vision for his first production in five years is one of world making. With this performance, Kimitch continues a body of dance works that honor grief for his late mother, a third-generation sansei Japanese American, amateur taiko drummer, and folk dancer. “Tiger hands,” a Peking opera posture conventionally reserved for male characters, represents for Kimitch both a later-life reconnection to his formative non-Western dance training and cues for how he might enliven the early experimental energy that birthed this artform. Kimitch invites a diverse group of creative collaborators in his cosmic, sunrise-colored search for authentic personal expression, using elements of Peking opera as a transformative source of beauty and strength.
Upcoming Performances:
Jacob’s Pillow, July 25th, 2026
Lincoln Center, Summer for the City, July 29-31, 2026
Directed, Choreographed, and Designed by Benjamin Akio Kimitch
Improvisations by the Dancers
Pareena Lim, Julie McMillan Castellano, and Lai Yi Ohlsen, Dancers
Claire M Singer, Composer
Jeffrey Gan, Dramaturg
Carlos Soto, Costume Designer
Serena Wong, Lighting Designer
Victoria Bek, Costume Supervisor
Justin Wong, Project Manager
Premiere: August 4, 5, 6, 2022
The Shed, as part of Open Call 2022, New York City