TURBULENCES
exhibited at Hangzhou International Expo Centre (Hangzhou) / Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (Shanghai)

TURBULENCES is an evocative and immersive performance that explores the complexities of queer identity in today’s turbulent world, a world filled with uncertainty and change. Reflecting the broader societal turbulence, the performance portrays a journey of self-discovery and resilience through three distinct stages - Cosmic Turbulence, Flying Higher, and Emotional Turbulence.

Stage 1: Cosmic Turbulence
The performance explores the birth of identity, reflecting the explosive birth of galaxies. This stage mirrors the existential uncertainty of our time, where the planet itself reminds us that we are guests, not masters, and any attempt to overreach will end badly. The characters portray the struggle to break free from societal stereotypes and fixed norms. The swirling galactic visuals, ultraviolet light, and chaotic yet calm energy embody the disordered yet profound process of self-realisation. The characters grapple with their own emerging identities, uncertain of what sets them apart but feeling the pull of something greater.

Stage 2: Flying Higher
This section describes how the characters soar towards a sense of freedom and self-exploration, capturing the fluidity of identity and the desire for intimacy and protection in a world where the speed and direction of change are unpredictable. The monochromatic visuals evoke a sense of calm stability but surrounded by disorder, reflecting the broader societal need to rise above and find clarity. The characters navigate the complexities of forming connections and finding their place in a world that is continuously shifting.

Stage 3: Emotional Turbulence
In the final stage, the world proves to be less welcoming than anticipated. This stage is a portrayal of the emotional highs and lows experienced by the queer community, as they encounter external forces that challenge their journey towards self-acceptance and fulfillment. They encounter obstacles that confuse, suffocate, and sometimes devastate them. Yet, despite the turmoil, the characters find each other, and through their shared experiences, they ignite a deep emotional connection, filled with intense, raw emotions - anger, sadness, joy - as the characters realise that, even in the face of what feels like the end of the world, love and inspiration emerge as transformative forces.

TURBULENCES is a portrayal of the journey many in the queer community face and reflects the broader societal context of the global uncertainty and dysfunctionality. The characters' journey embodies the tension between chaos and creation, fear and hope, as they navigate the stormy seas of identity, love, and belonging. TURBULENCES is not just a reflection of queer identity; it resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost, faced challenges, or sought a place to belong. It captures the universal human experience of searching for meaning, love, and acceptance, making it a deeply personal and relatable story for everyone.



Directors: Ka Wa Key Chow, Jarno Leppänen
Videographer: Jarno Leppänen
Choreographer: Jarno Leppänen
Fashion & Textiles: Ka Wa Key Chow, Jarno Leppänen

Performers: David Gonzales, Matteo Zecca, Ryan Appiah-Sarpong, Segi Ibanez
Colourist: Thomas Bouffioulx
Assistant: Aayisha Shahbakhsh
Yarn Sponsors: UPW, Zhongxin