In a special solo performance, Eisa Jocson, a contemporary choreographer and visual artist from the Philippines, embodies a macho dancer. Macho dancing is performed by young men in nightclubs in the Philippines. It is an economically motivated form of dance that mimics and constructs a masculine fantasy desired by paying clients.
Macho dancers occupy marginal positions in society, but in their performances exude power. They cast a spell with their movement, transporting the audience into a limbo-like space where time slows down. Men wear their signature cowboy boots, gyrating to 90's American power ballads.
In Macho Dancer, Jocson directs attention to her body as an object and a product. She exposes gender and body politics in the service and entertainment industries, with the focus on Filipino migrant workers often known as Overseas Filipino Workers. She asks: how do certain bodies move and work across different borders?
Jocson will also host two workshops as part of her ongoing work Philippine Macho Academy, teaching participants basic macho moves.
Please note that photos and videos are not permitted during the performances.
We are unable to admit latecomers to this event.
Eisa Jocson
Eisa Jocson is a contemporary choreographer from the Philippines trained in visual art and ballet. In her work, she studies how the body moves and what conditions make it move – be it social mobility, or movement out of the Philippines through migrant work. Through her explorations, Jocson has created an embodied archive of migrant Filipino labour, including a pole dancer, macho dancer, hostess, Disney princess, live girl band member, and zoo animal.
Concept, Choreography and Performance: Eisa Jocson
Light Design: Jan Maertens
Music composition: Lina Lapelyte
Coach: Rasa Alksnyte
Dramaturgical advice: Arco Renz
Technical Manager: Yap Seok Hui
Line Producer: Tang Fu Kuen
Songs: Devil's Dance by Metallica, Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler, Pagbigyang Muli by Erik Santos, Careless Whisper by Wham!
Co-production: Workspacebrussels, Beursschouwburg
Residency and support: Workspacebrussels, Beursschouwburg, Wpzimmer
Access companions go free, please select this option when booking if you require a companion to attend.
Spaces will be reserved for wheelchair users and companions.
There will be loud music and flashing lights. We offer ear defenders.
The performance duration will be 45 minutes without interval. You will be seated for the performance. All seats are hard and some have arms for additional support.
The performance takes place in The Tanks, on Level 0 of the Blavatnik Building at Tate Modern. Entrance is via the Turbine Hall entrance on Holland Street. All Tate Modern entrances are step-free.
Fully accessible toilets will be available to use in The Tanks.
Accessibility at Tate Modern
To help plan your visit to Tate Modern, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information about what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.
For more information before your visit:
- Email hello@tate.org.uk
- Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 (daily 09.45–18.00)
