ThoughtGallery.org > Screening and Conversation | Mongolian Contortionists: Himalayan Heritage

Screening and Conversation | Mongolian Contortionists: Himalayan Heritage

Mongolian culture is known worldwide for many things, including throat singing and horse racing, but did you know that Mongolia has also produced many of the world’s champion contortionists? For centuries a long line of Mongolian contortionists have been acclaimed for their strength, talent, and grace. The art form, which includes elements of traditional dance, has been documented as far back as the 17th century, when it was enjoyed as entertainment in Mongolia’s royal courts.

Join Mongolian filmmaker Sarnai Tessitore as she presents her film Body in Motion: Exploring the Art of Contortion. She will speak with the audience after the screening, joined by Buyansan Goldstein, an advisor to Mongolia Connections. Together they will discuss the history of the art form and the struggles and achievements of present-day artists who sacrifice so much to realize their dreams.

This program will be introduced by Museum educator Tashi Chodron who also manages Himalayan Heritage Programs and Partnerships. She will speak on 17th-century artist Zanabazaar, who is represented in the Rubin’s collection. A small number of devoted teachers and students of contortionism currently maintain the art form. They take inspiration from the legacy of performers and coaches such as Magjigsuren, Angelique, Otgo, and Undarmaa, all of whom are featured in the film.











When: Wed., Nov. 6, 2019 at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Rubin Museum of Art
150 W. 17th St.
212-620-5000
Price: $19
Buy tickets/get more info now
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Mongolian culture is known worldwide for many things, including throat singing and horse racing, but did you know that Mongolia has also produced many of the world’s champion contortionists? For centuries a long line of Mongolian contortionists have been acclaimed for their strength, talent, and grace. The art form, which includes elements of traditional dance, has been documented as far back as the 17th century, when it was enjoyed as entertainment in Mongolia’s royal courts.

Join Mongolian filmmaker Sarnai Tessitore as she presents her film Body in Motion: Exploring the Art of Contortion. She will speak with the audience after the screening, joined by Buyansan Goldstein, an advisor to Mongolia Connections. Together they will discuss the history of the art form and the struggles and achievements of present-day artists who sacrifice so much to realize their dreams.

This program will be introduced by Museum educator Tashi Chodron who also manages Himalayan Heritage Programs and Partnerships. She will speak on 17th-century artist Zanabazaar, who is represented in the Rubin’s collection. A small number of devoted teachers and students of contortionism currently maintain the art form. They take inspiration from the legacy of performers and coaches such as Magjigsuren, Angelique, Otgo, and Undarmaa, all of whom are featured in the film.

Buy tickets/get more info now