Tales of tattooing in women’s history will come to life this October

Japanese performance artist and choreographer Chisato Minamimura will tell tales of tattooing in women’s history at the Lowry this October.

Lowry audiences will be invited to hear the personal, historic and often untold stories of women and tattooing, in Mark of A Women.

The show told by Chisato Minamimura will take place on Saturday 4 October and will explore how body marking has been used throughout the ages.

From the origins of the word ‘tattoo’, which means ‘to mark’, Mark of A Woman will move through the ages, being used as storytelling, as the expression of identity, and more disturbingly, to catalogue or indicate possession.

Using expressive movement, it will be a celebration of women’s resilience and the creation of beauty from trauma – with each chapter being brought to life.

Chisato also applies her experience as a Deaf artist and BSL art guide, blending Visual Vernacular (the choreographed and poetic form of sign language) with digital animation and projections.

Adding to the sensory experience, Woojer technology, it will allow audience members to literally ‘feel’ the performance via vibrating Woojer Straps that are free to book with tickets for the show.

Ahead of the performance, Chisato said: “I’m honoured to bring Mark of A Woman to Lowry for the very first time.

“This performance is a celebration of the often-overlooked stories of women whose artistry and resilience have shaped tattooing across cultures and generations.”

She continued: “It means so much to share these narratives on such a renowned stage, where their impact can be seen and felt.”

Mark of A Woman was Commissioned by The Place and BAC, supported using public funds from Arts Council England, and received its world premiere at The Place in 2023.

The performance of Mark of a Woman will last around 50 minutes and is performed without an interval and is suitable for people aged 14 or older.

Given the role of tattooing in the historic subjugation of women, the piece contains some content which audiences may find challenging, including references to colonialism, abduction, sexual assault and mild torture.

Throughout the show, there will also be references to cancer treatment and mastectomy surgery.

The show will take place on Saturday 4 October 4  6.30pm, with tickets to the performance available from £12 – with more information about the show can be found here.