place is an exploration of identity, digging into the interplay between our past experiences and the evolution we undergo over time. Crafted by Chen-Wei Lee, this evocative dance-theater work navigates the complexities of personal narrative, weaving together a highly-structured, yet responsive-to-the-moment performance. Created in collaboration with performer Becca Hoback, the process involved a dynamic exchange of ideas, culminating in a script that intimately explores the struggles of personal growth.

A note from Becca -
The process of personal transformation is one that is marked with struggles and detours, yet it is a state that we as individuals and as a society are undergoing constantly. place exposes this difficulty on a visceral level, pushing me (the performer) to my limits of range of motion, breath support, vocal capacity, verbal cognition, physical stamina, and multi-tasking abilities - the result is anything but perfect. I hope that this vulnerable performance invites the audience to embrace their own imperfect journeys, and encourages them to be vulnerable within their trusted communities during times of change.

US PREmiere at Kindling Arts Festival - Nashville, TN, USA (August 2024)
premiered at alter ego international theatre festival - sofia, bulgaria (October 2023)

CREATION BRUSSELS, BELGIUM AT PEEPING TOM + GARAGE 29 (JULY 2023)
PRODUCED BY ENACTOR PRODUCTIONS
FUNDED IN PART BY “CREATION IN COMMUNITY” DONORS + Metro Arts Nashville’s THRIVE 2024

Photos by Ben Hoback, Zoltan Vakulya, and Lilou Escamilla

Chen-Wei Lee

Chen-Wei Lee is a Belgium based Taiwanese artist, she is a freelance dancer, choreographer and Gaga teacher, and the holder of the 24th TECO Award for the art of dance. 

She began her career as a dancer with Batsheva Dance Company in 2009-2014,  during which she worked closely with Ohad Naharin, Sharon Eyal, and Yasmeen Godder.

She was also a guest dancer at GothenborgsOperasDanskompani in 2015-16, Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch in 2017, VOETVOLK/Lisbeth Gruwez in 2018-present.

As a freelancer, Chen-Wei worked all over Europe with Jerome Bel, Lisbeth Gruwez, Marina Mascarell, Adolphe Binder, Marcos Morau amongst others.

Her debut at American Dance Festival with a work by Mark Dandy was described as "a sexpot soloist" by The New York Times. For her role in a duet《Zelenstova》by Marcos Morau, Chen-Wei Lee’s performance and body ability were acclaimed "stunning and amazing" by the Göteborges-Posten. In《The Sea Within》by Lisbeth Gruwez, Danser Canal Historique Review had praised "Chen-Wei Lee shows astonishing power not only to dance, but also transform herself into the element of water."

As a choreographer, Chen-Wei created several dance performances. Her solo work《Black Box》was selected as the most exciting and creative work of the year by the Taipei Times, and her duet 《Elephant》was reported the outstanding performance of the year by The Jerusalem Post. Her creation《Together Alone》in collaborating with Vakulya Zoltán was commissioned by National Performing Arts Center Taiwan, and is the finalist for the Taishin Arts Award and Total Theater Awards 2017.

In 2019 her new solo creation 《kNOwn FACE》 was commissioned and premiered in Taiwan International Festival of Arts, and well received from the critics and media.

As a Gaga teacher, she offers class and workshop for professional and amateur internationally.

Visit chen-Wei Lee’s Website