Modern dance choreographer completes trilogy
Print Edition
Modern dance artist and choreographer Zhao Liang will present his avant-garde dance drama “Escaping from the Temple,” the final installment in his “Oriental Soul and Desire” trilogy, on October 20-21 at Lyceum Theater.
It is one of the programs benefited from the Rising Artists’ Works program of the art festival.
The first two installments of the trilogy — “Dreams of Zen” and “The Tea Spell” — were praised by audiences for his bold interpretation of traditional Chinese aesthetics and culture.
Zhao was inspired by everything from the classic novel “A Dream of Red Mansions” to Buddhism and the country’s tea culture.
“Escaping from the Temple” is largely inspired by classic Kunqu Operas like “Longing for the World” and “Coming Down the Mountain.” Composed of a monodrama and a small cast play, “Escaping” is a story about a young nun and monk.
Crossover artist Qiu Jirong, grandson of Peking Opera master Qiu Shengrong, stars in the drama as a monk with delicate emotional changes. It also stars young nandan (men playing female roles in traditional Chinese Opera) performer Dong Fei.
The music, costumes, makeup and sets in the show boast distinctive and enchanting Oriental elements. Over the years, Zhao has made considerable effort to combine modern dance with other Oriental art forms.
“Compared with many domestic modern dance works that are heavily influenced by the West, I am more likely to create works which explore and reflect on our own culture,” says Zhao, also the director of the show.
“Modern dance, as an abstract stage art, should never lose the individual expression of the artist or its emotional connection with its intended audience.”
Zhao says freedom is a common theme in many of his productions.
He also believes China does not lack talented dancers, just professionals in art management.
“I hope that my next work will be more challenging and interesting,” Zhao says. “It will probably be a solo dance play.”
Date: October 20-21, 7:30pm
Venue: Lyceum Theater, 57 Maoming Rd S.
Tickets: 180-380 yuan
Tel: 6217-8530
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