Match-Making

 

Opportunities for open discussion between generations about dating or marriage are rare in China as when this happens it typically takes place within families where there are unequal power relationships and a culture of not openly contradicting ones elders. This event allows for a playful but genuine discussion to take place in which the power relations are far more balanced. Not only does it make the different generations and individuals’ assumptions far more visible, it also shows how the ‘market’ operates and offers a chance to see some of the sub-cultures and strategies of these match-making sites. The performance can be seen as a celebration of dating in whichever form it takes.

This performance was first given in Nanjing for Last Minute Live Art’s Longxia Festival 2018 and then in Shenzhen for Shenzhen Fringe 2018.