MFA Showcase Series: “SELF" – A Dreamcore performance about Memory and Awakeness

SELF explores identityre construction through dreamlike virtual memories, questioning how nostalgiashapes our sense of being.

SELF is an interdisciplinary performancecombining dance, sound, projection, and installation art. Drawing on the visuallanguage of Dreamcore, the work constructs a dialogue between the virtual andthe real — exploring how Generation Z women experience self-awareness amidsocial discipline and psychological escapism.

The stage is defined by intersectingscrims. Through their semi-translucent materiality, the audience's view of theperformers is mediated, visually articulating the permeable boundary betweenthe virtual construct of the nostalgic "dreamcore" simulation and theimmediate, physical reality of the theatrical present.

The audience witnesses the encounter, separation, and eventual self-awakeningof the two protagonists, Mira and Rin. This journey critically mirrors theclaim that “Dreamcore is not gentle — it is merely a shelter from reality,”exploring nostalgia as a constructed escape rather than a genuine refuge.

Mira represents the fragmented mind of 2025: a generation seeking comfort insimulated memories, escaping from social pressure through nostalgic illusion. Rinembodies the idealized past self — a 2010s girl shaped by exam-oriented systemsand gendered expectations. This dream is both an act of escape and ajourney toward awakening.

“Dreamcore isn’t gentle — it’s merely a shelter from reality.”

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CreditList:

Director & Producer ｜Jinyu Li

Concept &Narrative Design ｜Jinyu Li

Screenwriter｜Jinyu Li

ArtDirector ｜Jinyu Li

Score｜ Shan Ye

Performers & Co-Collaborators ｜Hui Chen ｜Yooga Zhou

Videographerand Photographer｜Ziyang Zhao

VoiceActors｜Meggie-Elise｜Lyon Chan ｜Karina Xuehan Jiang｜wanqi Fu｜ChenXi Zhao｜Yueran Wang

Video Editing & Post-Production｜Pak Ni Chow｜Jinyu Li

Sound Design & Audio Post-Production ｜ Jinyu Li ｜Ruike Liu

LightDesign ｜Eilyn Cheung

GraphicDesign｜Jinyu Li

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