Like the history of all important events, the history of the War to Resist Japanese Aggression is etched into the hearts and minds of the generation. Even after hundreds of years, the legends about the war will surely continue to be passed on in people’s memory. Each person in the war with the mind, feeling, passion, and dream just like a leaf in the storm; each person is equally significant. The mission of this dance drama is to trace the impact of war on a woman: she is but one in millions of fallen leaves...

A stage photo of dance drama A Leaf in the Storm. [Photo provided to Newsgd.com] 

A Leaf in the Storm is inspired by famous Chinese writer and translator Lin Yutang’s novel of the same title. Choreographer Wang Yuanyuan takes as her point of departure the fate of ordinary people, and explores the vicissitudes of the times, and the spirit thereof in a vivid cross-section of the period in question. Against the backdrop of catastrophes and consternation, the sensitive protagonist finds herself constantly in fear even while in love. A tragic panorama is thus laced with a love story of yearning. Personal redemption amidst bloodbath collides and blends with sublimation of emotions in the presentation of A Leaf in the Storm.

A stage photo of dance drama A Leaf in the Storm. [Photo provided to Newsgd.com] 

Wang Yuanyuan is one of China’s leading modern dance choreographers and the artistic director of Beijing Dance Theater. She graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy and California Institute of Art School of Dance. Her first theater play, Henrik Ibsen’s late work The Lady from the Sea, received full house in every touring cites. There are also many famous artworks created by her, like the ballet version of Raise the Red Lantern, dance sequences for Tan Dun’s music in the film The Banquet and The Color of Love for the Royal Danish Ballet.

Founded in 2008 and led by Wang Yuanyuan, the Beijing Dance Theater (BDT) has graced China’s dance stage with high quality artworks. Collaborating with renowned directors, composers, and visual artists, the BDT continues to showcase contemporary Chinese stage art to the world in style.

A stage photo of dance drama A Leaf in the Storm. [Photo provided to Newsgd.com] 

Time: 7:30pm, Wednesday - Thursday, October 16th-17th, 2019

Location: Opera Hall, Guangzhou Opera House

Add: No.1 Zhujiang Xilu, Tianhe District, Guangzhou

Nearby metro station: Zhujiang New Town, Line 3 or 5

Price: RMB 80-480

Duration: 100 mins

Authors: Monica Liu, Wang Yifan (intern)

Editor: Keane Wong