The Healer mines the ancient history, systems, and beliefs of Traditional Chinese Medicine and holistic practices, to shed light on our innate ability to overcome physical and emotional suffering. Created in memory of Wong’s aunt, a Doctor of Energy Medicine, the work features a powerhouse quartet of female dancers, an original sound score by Daniel Berkman, lighting design by Del Medoff, and a bamboo scenic installation by Chad Owens.

Originally scheduled for March 2020 and postponed due to COVID-19, Wong re-imagined the premiere of The Healer for RAWdance as a holistic online experience and virtual dance performance. After months of isolation, anxiety, frustration, loss, grief, and uncertainty, The Healer embraced a new purpose to create space for personal reflection, communal breath, and universal release.

Co-presented with ODC Theater, The Healer‘s premiere included a pre-show class/presentation by guest speakers, a dance performance filmed at ODC Theater, and a post-show moderated Q&A with the artistic collaborators. Learn more about the guest speakers and Q&A moderator.

The online premiere also included an optional mailed package called The Healer: Sensory Offerings, a specially curated collection of small objects designed to enhance the at-home viewing experience. A DIY version of the Sensory Offerings can be found here.

Captioning and Audio Description is available for this virtual performance.