In Development
In the spring of 2023 artistic directors Sherry J Yoon and Jay Dodge made the journey to Seoul with a goal of meeting interesting artists. In the 12 months that followed relationships with two of the companies they met grew and deepened to the point that we are now working on projects together. The first is a contemporary performance piece created with Goblin Party that will be available for touring 2026 called Behind the Smile. The second is a site-specific, multi-disciplinary puppet performance with ArtStageSAN, a trilogy that will unfold over the next 4 years entitled Me And _____ (See below).
Behind the Smile
Behind the Smile is a collaboration between Boca del Lupo and Goblin Party. In it, we delve into a realm that intertwines performance and social commentary. At its core the project explores the paradoxical world of mascots—those vibrant, oversized symbols of joy and celebration, often found at events brimming with excitement and innocence. Yet, beneath the surface of their playful appearances, these mascots bear the brunt of unforeseen aggression, particularly from children. This uncanny juxtaposition serves as a powerful metaphor for society’s treatment of the ‘Other.’
Pairing Goblin Party’s rigorous approach to contemporary dance with Boca del Lupo’s expertise in devised theatre and international collaboration, this collaboration is a reflection on the broader societal tendencies to overlook, misunderstand, and mistreat those who are perceived as different.
Led by Sherry J Yoon, co-artistic director of Boca del Lupo and a first-generation Korean Canadian, Behind the Smile takes on an even more profound layer of meaning. Yoon’s personal experiences illuminate the broader theme of the project, highlighting the emotional and psychological challenges faced by those who find themselves in environments where they are perceived as different. This parallels the experience of mascots who, behind their cheerful exteriors, often confront a sense of alienation and invisibility. Yoon writes:
“Just as the mascot performers embody a character while maintaining their own identity, new comers often navigate a complex balance between their cultural heritage and their new identities in a foreign land.”
Sherry J Yoon
Me & _____________
Me & ____________ is inspired by new scientific research proposing that, using AI analysis, we are on the verge of being able to translate, understand and converse with many of the more advanced species of animals on the planet, starting with whales. This trilogy of works contemplates the profound impact direct communication with animals will have on our understanding of humanity and our relationship to nature.
The blank space in the title will be filled with three different words, each defining the location of the performance and alluding to a non-human inhabitant: the Ocean (whale), the Forest (bear), the Sky (eagle). Three large-scale puppets will be built by ArtstageSAN and three voicings written by Boca del Lupo writers. Written by celebrated writers, the audience will embark on these site-specific journeys each led by a puppet creature. Using a bespoke “babblefish” communication system, the creature will communicate and interact directly with the participants.
Led by co-artistic director and award-winning designer Jay Dodge, known for his novel approach to technology and ambitious site-specific production concepts, the trilogy will include submersible armatures, heavy lift drones and wireless over ear headphones receiving a near field broadcast of live sound. Dodge writes:
“When interspecies communication becomes a reality and species other than human attain personhood and citizenship, it will be like aliens landing on the planet and we will have to rethink our self-appointed status as the sole sentient species.”
Jay Dodge