As part of the programme of exhibition ‘Better Than Yesterday’, Silian Gallery is proud to present a compelling theatrical piece titled "A Woman’s Life", a performance set to extend further conversations around the exhibition’s conversation of personal and collective narratives. In celebration of International Women's Day, this performance is scheduled for two showings, on the 7th and 8th March 2024.

Set against the backdrop of the exhibition's themes of memory, identity, and the erosion of individuality in society, ‘A Woman’s Life’ follows the contemplative life of a woman, Ayisha, from adolescence through to late adulthood. On her journey, she is met with challenges inevitable by womanhood, responding to the inescapable personal history and self-perception found in the surrounding works of Li Yin and Kaja Stumpf.

Navigating the evolving relationship with her body, Ayisha's story explores self-expression, body acceptance, and brings reflection into beauty ideals, gender roles and the social expectations that constrain and uphold these identity-defining issues. Faced with life decisions of childbirth and menopause ‘liberation’, the performance sees Ayisha battle with self-ownership and control, setting a debate of authenticity and free will.

Performing against the "Better Than Yesterday" exhibition, "A Woman’s Life" offers a immersive experience that prompts reflection on women's rights, freedoms, and the complex interplay of body, gender, and society.

This performance was scheduled for two showings:

19:00 7 March

14:30 8 March

The performances took place at Silian Gallery, 434 King’s Road, London.

Performance Creative Team

Director: Xiaowen Xu

Playwright: Qi Wang

Actor: Ayisha Mi

Curator: Mandy Zhang

Exhibitor: Silian Gallery