The article discusses the contemporary dance performance 'Shards' held at the Gertrude Street Theatre, which innovatively interprets the concept of brokenness through both Western and Japanese cultural lenses. In Western culture, shards are typically viewed as symbols of decline and disposability, while Japanese philosophy perceives beauty and value in rupture, suggesting a potential for rebirth and renewal. The performance emphasizes the idea of showcasing repair spots as treasured elements rather than hidden flaws.

The dance incorporates deep personal reflections from Aigars on family relationships, particularly focusing on his bond with authority figures, especially his mother. He reflects on the pressure to maintain a facade of being 'good,' 'calm,' and 'composed,' despite experiencing internal turmoil. This introspection leads Aigars to consider how repressed emotions can culminate in destructive behaviors, raising the internal conflict of identity.

The core theme of the performance derives from the Japanese art of kintsugi, which values the repair of broken pottery as a means of embracing imperfections. This philosophy resonates with Aigars' own journey of reconnecting with his own broken family relationships, offering audiences both an aesthetic experience and a pathway for personal reflection on familial bonds and emotional honesty.