Resilience in Motion: A Performer’s Journey Through Injury

A knee injury drastically transformed the life of Dr. Beverly Low Yuen Wei, a physical theatre director and educator. For three decades, she relied on her body as a medium of expression, using movement and balance to communicate meaning. However, during a Chinese martial arts training session two years ago, a sudden injury led to a torn ligament in her knee, changing everything.

The injury occurred while practicing jumping kicks, resulting in a sharp “pop” sound that marked the beginning of a challenging recovery journey. Dr. Low found herself struggling with everyday movements that had once been effortless. Simple actions, like sitting on a toilet or walking 200 meters, became difficult and painful, forcing her to rely on a crutch initially. The injury not only impacted her physical capabilities but also her emotional well-being, as she faced the reality of needing assistance in a role she once excelled in.

After a month, Dr. Low returned to her teaching role at Republic Polytechnic but found her physical demands had changed significantly. The polytechnic reassigned her to a classroom-based module, as she could no longer manage the physical aspects of her previous position. She avoided using a crutch out of pride, instead opting to use a small suitcase for support as she navigated the campus. The juxtaposition between her outward appearance and internal struggles was stark; she appeared fit but felt disconnected from her body.

Today, Dr. Low has regained approximately 90 percent of her pre-injury abilities, but her knee remains a source of discomfort and limitation. While she can now run, train, and perform, the stiffness in her knee persists, particularly after exertion. Doctors advised her to avoid high-impact activities, as a crucial ligament had torn without surgical repair.

Adapting to a New Reality

The year following her injury marked a significant shift in Dr. Low’s life. Initially, she could walk but found herself unable to stand steadily on a moving train. In response to her invisible struggles, she applied for a “May I have a seat, please?” card, an initiative by the Land Transport Authority to assist commuters with hidden health conditions. This experience forced her to confront her identity and the pride she once took in her physical capabilities.

As her daily rhythm changed, she began to focus on rehabilitation and self-care. For the first time, she found herself missing deadlines and struggled to adjust her pace. Surprisingly, her colleagues responded with understanding, granting her extensions that allowed her to prioritize her recovery.

Dr. Low realized she had a choice: to give up or to reframe her circumstances. She began working from a chair and exploring how much her body could move without pain. This shift opened new creative avenues. Months later, she led a seated movement workshop at The Listening Academy, focusing on exploring loss and the sensations tied to physical and emotional experiences.

Embracing Inclusivity and New Perspectives

Dr. Low’s injury has profoundly influenced her artistic practice, shifting her focus towards inclusivity in physical theatre. She began to notice how certain bodies are often excluded from performance art and felt compelled to create spaces that welcome diverse physical abilities.

In October 2023, just seven months post-injury, she issued an open call for performers who were recovering from injuries or had limited mobility. The response was significant, with many participants facing their own physical challenges. This collaborative approach allowed her to develop choreography that embraced the realities of pain and limitation rather than resisting them.

Working with individuals spanning five generations, from energetic 18-year-olds to inspiring 84-year-olds, has reshaped her understanding of strength and communication in movement. Her upcoming project focuses on the nuances of non-linear recovery, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging setbacks and breakthroughs in the healing process.

Through her experiences, Dr. Low has learned to redefine strength and resilience. From struggling to walk 200 meters to jogging for 15 kilometers in under two hours, she has made remarkable progress. She now enjoys running in Gardens by the Bay, where she savors the surroundings and takes time to appreciate the simple joys of nature.

Dr. Low’s journey has transformed her approach to coaching, allowing her trainees to progress at their own pace. She has shifted from multitasking during commutes to prioritizing rest, both mentally and physically. While she no longer carries the “May I have a seat, please?” card, its significance remains a poignant reminder of her journey through pain and recovery.

Her knee injury, though still a challenge, has sparked a new purpose in her work. Dr. Beverly Low Yuen Wei continues to create performances that celebrate recovery, inclusivity, and the resilience found in vulnerability. As the artistic director of Grain Performance & Research Lab, she is committed to honoring the complexities of the human experience through her art.