Two Yous

Two Yous is inspired by the cultural phenomenon of Smile Mask Syndrome, a psychological disorder resulting from prolonged, unnatural smiling in the workplace. The syndrome is particularly prevalent in Asian countries, where many service sector jobs require workers to wear perpetual smiles. Having spent so much time faking their smiles, syndrome sufferers become emotionally detached from their own physical responses, often smiling at inappropriate times.  

The performance plays out the inner dilemma of an aging woman — portrayed by simultaneously by Ana and Banning mirroring one another — as she struggles against the pressure to perform and the desire to honestly embody her own emotions.

Choreographer | Peter Chu

Dancers | Ana Maria Lucaciu & Banning Bouldin

Music | Jean-François (Djeff) Houle

Commissioned by OZ Arts Nashville

Company | New Dialect