Created and performed by Eiko Otake (of Eiko & Koma) and Wen Hui (of Living Dance Studio), What Is War is a powerful collaboration that fuses movement, video, and personal testimony excavated from the artists’ recollections of war and its aftermath. Otake grew up in post war Japan and Wen grew up in China during the Cultural Revolution. Friends since 1995 and working closely since 2020, Otake and Wen explore the enduring impacts of war on human consciousness, collective memory, and the body.
Each performance is followed by a post-show gathering in the BAM Fisher Lower Lobby, where audiences can meet the artists and reflect on their own experiences of war.
Please note: What Is War contains nudity and addresses the subject of war.
Each performance is followed by a post-show gathering in the BAM Fisher Lower Lobby, where audiences can meet the artists and reflect on their own experiences of war.
Please note: What Is War contains nudity and addresses the subject of war.
Lighting design by David Ferri
Dramaturgy by Iris McCloughan
Commissioned by the Walker Center, co-commissioned by CAP UCLA, Jacob's Pillow, and Colorado College's Dance and Theater Department.
What Is War was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and the Mellon Foundation.
Dramaturgy by Iris McCloughan
Commissioned by the Walker Center, co-commissioned by CAP UCLA, Jacob's Pillow, and Colorado College's Dance and Theater Department.
What Is War was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and the Mellon Foundation.
ONSALE DATES
Thu, May 15 at 1pm
BAM Members & Patrons
Thu, May 22 at 1pm
General Public
BAM Members & Patrons
Thu, May 22 at 1pm
General Public
UPCOMING Performances
RUNNING TIME
1 hour, no intermission
VENUE
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets start at $55
Please note: All online and phone orders are subject to a $3 facility fee and an $8 handling fee per ticket. All orders at the box office are subject to a $3 facility fee per ticket.
BAM Members and Patrons get first access and save 20% on tickets through July 31, 2025
Please note: All online and phone orders are subject to a $3 facility fee and an $8 handling fee per ticket. All orders at the box office are subject to a $3 facility fee per ticket.
BAM Members and Patrons get first access and save 20% on tickets through July 31, 2025
All performances will adhere to protocols developed in accordance with New York State regulations and in consultation with medical professionals for the safety of our artists, audiences, and staff.
Leadership support for
BAM’s strategic initiatives provided by:
Leadership support for
BAM Access Programs provided by
the Jerome L. Greene Foundation
Leadership support for
BAM programming provided by:
Leadership support for
dance at BAM provided by
The SHS Foundation
Leadership support for
dance at BAM provided by:
Leadership support for
Next Wave 2025 provided by
National Endowment for the Arts
