Choreographer Wayson Poon’s PHONATE (solo) transforms breath into movement, blending Taoist philosophy with minimalist staging—a hypnotic meditation on existence. Part of WestK Shanghai Week, the performance and accompanying exhibition unravel the creative process behind this critically acclaimed work.

PHONATE (solo): A Meditative Exploration of Breath and Movement

If silence could speak, it might sound like Wayson Poon’s PHONATE (solo)—a contemplative dance work that transforms the act of breathing into an artistic language. In this performance, breath becomes dance: inhalation, pause, and exhalation form the fundamental conditions for existence. Audiences are invited to engage their senses and reflect on this essential yet often overlooked aspect of life.

Set in a minimalist environment, the solo features a four-hole harmonica and a piece of muscle tape, tools that reconstruct historical fragments of the work. Poon, serving as both choreographer and performer, bridges the audience with the essence of breathing through exhibition elements and interactive segments, creating multidimensional possibilities for artistic interpretation. The vibrations of air, shaped by breath, connect viewers to their subconscious and unspoken reflections.

Poon’s choreography is deeply influenced by Taoist concepts of Qi and movement practices such as Liquid Body and 5Rhythms. The work was initially developed through the residency exchange project Creative Meeting Point: Hong Kong x Finland (2016–2018). In 2023, West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) commissioned him to expand it into a full-length ensemble piece, PHONATE, which garnered critical acclaim. This solo version adapts and distills the original performance into an intimate experience.

Foyer Exhibition: PHONATE (un/taped)

Complementing the performance is an exhibition documenting the creative journey behind PHONATE. Premiered in February 2023 at The Box, Freespace in West Kowloon Cultural District, the project evolved over four years, integrating Poon’s movement research and social concerns. The exhibition deconstructs the dance-making process, offering insights into rehearsal strategies, dance imagery, and archival materials. Through video, rehearsal tools, and new media installations, attendees witness the artist’s exploration and thought processes.

Performance & Exhibition Details

Dates:

• Exhibition: June 18–20, 2025 (18:00–21:00)
• Performance & Exhibition: June 21–22, 2025 (13:00–16:30; 17:30–21:00)
• Note: Access on June 21–22 between 15:30–16:30 & 17:30–18:30 is restricted to ticket holders. Reservations required for other timeslots.

Venue: Foyer of Experimental Theater, Shanghai International Dance Center

Commission & Collaboration

The programme is commissioned and produced by West Kowloon Cultural District, co-presented with Shanghai International Dance Center Theater, as part of WestK Shanghai Week 2025. The event is organized by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA), with Cathay as the Lead Sponsor.

WestK Shanghai Week is supported by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSAR Government, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai. Media partners include Shanghai United Media Group and Shanghai Media Group.

About Wayson Poon

A Hong Kong-based contemporary dance artist, Wayson Poon has worked across Europe and Asia as a creator, performer, and researcher. His practice, OnthewayDance, merges Eastern and Western spiritual methodologies, emphasizing the connection between dancer and audience. Notable works include Vortex, Moving a Memory, and PHONATE, which have toured internationally.

Awarded the Hong Kong Arts Development Award for Young Artist (Dance) in 2016, Poon has also received fellowships from the Asian Cultural Council and scholarships supporting his Master’s studies at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Beyond performance, he actively contributes to community art projects, mentoring emerging artists and participating in initiatives like the Jockey Club Dance Well programme.

Through PHONATE (solo), Wayson Poon invites audiences to listen—not just with their ears, but with their breath.