Can’t get _ _ _ _ out of my head
A transcultural dance performance that investigates a Malaysian traditional game, Congkak (mental calculation), as a vocabulary/choreographic tool.
Congkak, a mental calculation. First pick up, then plant your stones one by one into the holes of the wooden game board. Count carefully where to start to be able to capture as much as possible in your home at the end.
What is your strategy? Do you have one?
The performance plays with the rules of the game, turns them into movement, rhythm, and an immediate presence within the surrounding space. Can you figure out the rules? Do you need them in order to play? The choreographic challenge is shared with the performers, who continuously engage in ever-changing variations and inventions, expanding the movement as far as they can.
Cindy Ng is a Western-trained choreographer who explores transcultural performance, bringing together five contemporary dancers and Congkak, Malaysia’s traditional two-player board game.
Working group
- Concept, Direction, and Choreographer: Cindy Ng in collaboration with the working group
- Performers: Alma Äijö, Aurora Suhonen, Eero Tahkola, Lydia Ponkiniemi, Saara Milton
- Dramaturge: Maija Nousiainen
- Sound Designer: Eetu Holopainen
- Lighting Designer: Isla Purtilo
- Scenographer: Viivi Tamminen
- Costume Designer: Janina Vuorivaara
This production is part of the Artistic Collaboration Projects (ACO), that brings together students from seven Uniarts and Aalto University degree programs. Over a period of five weeks, the students have explored and practiced artistic collaboration in performances based on movement and choreography. The process culminates in performances of all five works during the last week of May.
Congkak, a mental calculation. First pick up, then plant your stones one by one into the holes of the wooden game board. Count carefully where to start to be able to capture as much as possible in your home at the end.
What is your strategy? Do you have one?
The performance plays with the rules of the game, turns them into movement, rhythm, and an immediate presence within the surrounding space. Can you figure out the rules? Do you need them in order to play? The choreographic challenge is shared with the performers, who continuously engage in ever-changing variations and inventions, expanding the movement as far as they can.
Cindy Ng is a Western-trained choreographer who explores transcultural performance, bringing together five contemporary dancers and Congkak, Malaysia’s traditional two-player board game.
Working group
- Concept, Direction, and Choreographer: Cindy Ng in collaboration with the working group
- Performers: Alma Äijö, Aurora Suhonen, Eero Tahkola, Lydia Ponkiniemi, Saara Milton
- Dramaturge: Maija Nousiainen
- Sound Designer: Eetu Holopainen
- Lighting Designer: Isla Purtilo
- Scenographer: Viivi Tamminen
- Costume Designer: Janina Vuorivaara
This production is part of the Artistic Collaboration Projects (ACO), that brings together students from seven Uniarts and Aalto University degree programs. Over a period of five weeks, the students have explored and practiced artistic collaboration in performances based on movement and choreography. The process culminates in performances of all five works during the last week of May.