works
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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Hussein Smko
Project/tag is an artistic platform dedicated to nurturing social discourse through dance and the performing arts. We produce collaborative works that elevate marginalized narratives and create space for communal processing and healing. Project/tag is built upon the belief that artistic expression is a restorative force in a complex and chaotic world. We believe in the fearless confrontation of divisive social constructs and cultural hierarchies and envision a future where class, ethnicity, and religious identity are not points of separation but lines of deep human connection and unity.
SELECTED by One Journey Festival at Kennedy Center
Premiere: June, 2021 at Kennedy Center in Washington DC
Director/Choreographer: Mizuho Kappa
Dancer: Mizuho Kappa
Music: Dhafer Youssef
Roses in Sand | 2022
In partnership with One Journey
Premiere: October, 2022 at David DuPuy Studios
Director/Choreographer: Hussein Smko, Mizuho Kappa
Dancer: Kamryn Vaulx, Jonathan Colafrancesco, Manish Chauhan, Denise Chan, Nick Delay, Rebecca Gombar, Irene Paci, Hussein Smko, Mizuho Kappa
Music: Stahv Danker
project/tag, and Khalil Ayed in partnership with One Journey, have joined forces to create a unique multi-level performance piece that integrates dance, music, art, spoken word, calligraphy, and more in a welcoming communal space.”
Roses In Sand is a lens into MENA cultures portrayed through the experiences and artistry of creative visionaries from Kurdish, Tunisian, Israeli, Lebanese, and Palestinian backgrounds.
Sarah is a celebration of women and resilience in the midst of war
Supported by New York State Council of the Arts
Premiere: September, 2023 at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center
Director/Choreographer: Hussein Smko, Mizuho Kappa
Dancer: Kamryn Vaulx, Jonathan Colafrancesco, Manish Chauhan, Irene Paci, Hussein Smko, Mizuho Kappa
Music: Stahv Danker, Khalil Ayed
SARAH a Physical-Theatre Co-created by By Kurdish choreographer and playwright Hussein Smko, and Tunisian Artist Khalil Ayed. Inspired by the journey of Hussein’s sister Sarah.
We are using the theater as a courthouse under the Ishtar Gates of Babylon for the trial of a woman in time of war, facing a jury of men and patriarchal traditions. When Sarah becomes pregnant, the family faces back trial and must defend and protect Sarah when the man doesn’t show up for the arranged wedding ceremony. Sarah, a proud woman, like the Mesopotamian Goddess of love, war, and fertility Ashtar, never gives up on pursuing her freedom.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Hussein Smko
ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR : Mizuho Kappa
Project/tag is an artistic platform dedicated to nurturing social discourse through dance and the performing arts. We produce collaborative works that elevate marginalized narratives and create space for communal processing and healing. Project/tag is built upon the belief that artistic expression is a restorative force in a complex and chaotic world. We believe in the fearless confrontation of divisive social constructs and cultural hierarchies and envision a future where class, ethnicity, and religious identity are not points of separation but lines of deep human connection and unity.
Fly Shadow Fly (Call For Prayer) | 2021
SELECTED by One Journey Festival at Kennedy Center
Premiere: June, 2021 at Kennedy Center in Washington DC
Director/Choreographer: Mizuho Kappa
Dancer: Mizuho Kappa
Music: Dhafer Youssef
Roses in Sand | 2022
In partnership with One Journey
Premiere: October, 2022 at David DuPuy Studios
Director/Choreographer: Hussein Smko, Mizuho Kappa
Dancer: Kamryn Vaulx, Jonathan Colafrancesco, Manish Chauhan, Denise Chan, Nick Delay, Rebecca Gombar, Irene Paci, Hussein Smko, Mizuho Kappa
Music: Stahv Danker
project/tag, and Khalil Ayed in partnership with One Journey, have joined forces to create a unique multi-level performance piece that integrates dance, music, art, spoken word, calligraphy, and more in a welcoming communal space.”
Roses In Sand is a lens into MENA cultures portrayed through the experiences and artistry of creative visionaries from Kurdish, Tunisian, Israeli, Lebanese, and Palestinian backgrounds.
Sarah | 2023
Sarah is a celebration of women and resilience in the midst of war
Supported by New York State Council of the Arts
Premiere: September, 2023 at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center
Director/Choreographer: Hussein Smko, Mizuho Kappa
Dancer: Kamryn Vaulx, Jonathan Colafrancesco, Manish Chauhan, Irene Paci, Hussein Smko, Mizuho Kappa
Music: Stahv Danker, Khalil Ayed
SARAH a Physical-Theatre Co-created by By Kurdish choreographer and playwright Hussein Smko, and Tunisian Artist Khalil Ayed. Inspired by the journey of Hussein’s sister Sarah.
We are using the theater as a courthouse under the Ishtar Gates of Babylon for the trial of a woman in time of war, facing a jury of men and patriarchal traditions. When Sarah becomes pregnant, the family faces back trial and must defend and protect Sarah when the man doesn’t show up for the arranged wedding ceremony. Sarah, a proud woman, like the Mesopotamian Goddess of love, war, and fertility Ashtar, never gives up on pursuing her freedom.