Coming to Lowry this October, Chisato Minamimura presents Mark of A Woman, her show which tells the personal and often untold series of women and tattooing.
The word ‘tattoo’ originates from the Polynesian word tatau, meaning “to mark”. Her story, Mark of A Woman, explores how tattooing and body marking has been used throughout the centuries: as storytelling, as the expression of identity, and more disturbingly, to catalogue or indicate possession. Chisato’s show is one which celebrates women’s resilience and the creation of beauty from trauma.
Using Visual Vernacular, digital animation, kinetic projection, and Woojer Technology, Chisato is able to bring her expressive movement to life. Through this technology, audience members will be able to literally ‘feel’ the performance via vibrating Woojer straps which are free to book with tickets for the show. Liam O’Dell, who reviewed the performance said, “we feel every pin prick as Minamimura signs the stabbing of a needle on her arm, and the crash of tidal waves as she signs the story of colonisation. It generates a sense of anticipation which only makes us more captivated by the nature of Minamimura’s piece”.
Chisato says, “I’m honoured to bring Mark of A Woman to Lowry for the very first time. This performance is a celebration of the often overlooked stories of women whose artistry and resilience have shaped tattooing across cultures and generations. It means so much to share these narratives on such a renowned stage, where their impact can be seen and felt.”
Chisato is a Deaf performance artist, choreographer and BSL art guide. Born in Japan, now based in London, Chisato has created, performed, and taught internationally and is currently a Work Place artist at The Place. By using dance and technology, Chisato aims to share her experiences of sensory perception and human encounters.
The performance of Mark of A Woman lasts around 50 minutes and is performed without an interval.
The show is suitable for people of 14+. Given the role of tattooing in the historic subjugation of women, the piece contains some content which audiences may find challenging, including references to colonialism, abduction, sexual assault, and mild torture.
Chisato Minamimura’s Mark of A Woman is at Lowry, Salford, Salford Quays, Pier 8, M50 3AZ on Saturday October 4 at 6.30pm.
For full performance details and credits, tickets, and access information, please visit https://thelowry.com/whats-on/490//chisato-minamimura-mark-of-a-woman