Chinese dance legend and renowned choreographer Yang Liping will bring her stunning reimagining of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" back to Shenzhen in May.
Photos from WeChat official account "南山文体中心聚橙剧院"
Stravinsky's scenario and score may have been choreographed countless times and in countless different ways, but an interpretation by a Chinese artist is rarely seen.
A product of Chinese culture intermingled with concepts of nature and life, Yang's "Rite of Spring" spins an abstract legend of the path of salvation. The work is in three parts: Incantation, Sacrifice, and Reincarnation. At its heart is a woman who volunteers for death in the knowledge that she will be reborn. Her story is one of a journey from fear and doubt to the empowerment she finds in her sacrifice.
The familiar image of a peacock appears as a symbol for hope and rebirth, while the image of a lion symbolizes authority and power.
Through spectacular set design and exquisite costumes by Tim Yip, the production creates a distinctive universe where time, space, and life coexist in endless reincarnation. Yip, a Hong Kong designer, won the Academy Award for art direction for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" in 2001.
During the show, Yang combined a piece of music created by Chinese musician He Xuntian with the original classic work by Stravinsky in an attempt to present a more complete story. She also integrated a few elements from Tibetan Buddhism.
A poster for the show.
Time: 7:30 p.m., May 11
Venue: Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center Theater, Nanshan District (南山区南山文体中心聚橙剧院)
Metro: Line 12 to Nantou Ancient City Station (南头古城站), Exit E2
