Physical theatre, Performance art, Calligraphy, Dance, Dance Physical Theatre and Circus, Experimental - Edinburgh Fringe

Nüshu: Written for Her, on Her, by Her


The Great Her (UK/China)

Rewrite her stories. Write her. A one-of-a-kind multidisciplinary performance rooted in Nüshu, the secret script of Chinese women. In this ritualistic solo work, writer and performer Jiayi Chen uses her body as a living scroll, inscribing ancient characters onto her skin with traditional ink. Through live body calligraphy, inspiring contemporary dance and an original soundscape, the piece becomes a haunting altar of memory, grief and feminine resistance. The piece is a tribute to the missing women in Jiayi’s life and a bold act of rewriting silenced histories through the body and voice.

Created, Written, Directed, Design Collaboration and Produced by | Jiayi Chen

Cast | Junnan Cheng, Jiayi Chen, Jingwen Ni, Rita Hu, Fange Jia, Viktoriia Hontarchuk

Choreography by Junnan Cheng and Jiayi Chen
Original Music Composed by | Zhenqi Zhu
Art Direction by | Luyin Cao
Art Advisor | Henry Gale
Design Director | Xinyi Yang, supported by Ash Ash Lab
Headpiece Design by | Yanling Wu
Lighting Design by | Allie Yu Hu
Sound Design by | Seclude

Executive Producer | Ronny Gale
Co-Producers | Yuzhuo Wang, Ying Yang
Marketing Director | Yuqiu Wang (in collaboration with Jiayi Chen)

Assistant Director | Eva Thomas-Kerr
Assistant Producer | Shiman Li
Curatorial Advisor and Artistic Collaboration by | Kat Stanley
Accessories Support (Silver Necklace & Bracelet) | Yi Crafts
Lighting Operation | Eva Thomas-Kerr, Daxi Liu, Qianhe Wan, Allie Yu Hu, Sze Ting Tseng, Yuqiu Wang

Stage Manager | Ronny Gale
Assistant Stage Managers | Jingwen Ni and Junnan Cheng
Stage Management Team (Volunteers) | Zhuo Cheng, Amy Yiyang Gu, Arjeet Sze Ting Tseng, Daxi Liu, Kefan Zhang, Qianhe Wan, Siwen Huang, Xinyu Luo, Yuling Du

Visual Storytelling Artists and Post-Production by | Yuxin Zhang, Xin Wei, Erin Yi Ruan, Elena Mendoza, Junjie Deng, Yuqiu Wang
Female Voice Contributors | ᠭᠡᠷᠢᠯᠡ (Gerile), Xuejiao Yang, Jialu Yang,Manman, Sarah Linda Cassels, Crisia Constantine, Nazaret Ranea, Em Gray, Yixue Yang, Susanne Layla Petersen

Photography Team | Henry Gale, Xin Wei, Yuxin Zhang, Zhuo Cheng, Yuling Du, Amy Yiyang Gu, Siwen Huang, Daxi Liu, Arjeet Sze Ting Tseng, Erin Yi Ruan
Documentary Film Team | Henry Gale, Xin Wei, Zhuo Cheng, Erin Yi Ruan, Junjie Deng

Thanks | Nova Esea, Yi Crafts, and to our dedicated volunteers for their invaluable support

instagram.com/thegreather_/

Watch Trailer

Language Performed mostly in English but with some Nüshu

Dates 30 July to 10 August 2025 at 13:55 (0hr40)

Format Live in-person

Get access to
    Event Image

    No performance available for Nüshu: Written for Her, on Her, by Her

    Book your tickets for Nüshu: Written for Her, on Her, by Her 


    Back to event

    Select seats and ticket type for

    Loading Seatmap...

    Book your tickets for Nüshu: Written for Her, on Her, by Her 


    Back to event


    Select seats and ticket type for

    Venue

    C ARTS | C venues | C aquila

    Roman Eagle Lodge, 2 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2PW (venue 21)

    +44 (0)131 581 5555

    temple

    Roman Eagle Lodge, 2 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2PW (venue 21)