Over a century ago, Stravinsky composed ‘The Rite of Spring,’ originally the music for a ballet, which has captivated countless top-tier dance artists as if it were a code filled with infinite possibilities. Yang Liping’s version of the dance drama expands on the original plot with magnificent imagination, paying homage to the classic with boundless potential. ‘The Rite of Spring’ tells the story of how ‘Gods,’ out of compassion, willingly descend into the mortal world, experiencing all trials to become ‘Humans’; and how ‘Humans,’ through enlightenment and a willingness to sacrifice, rise above their fate to become ‘Gods’ once again. People hustle and bustle on the earth, dance and sing; they live, they despair; they become enlightened, and they cross and are crossed on the earth, reborn on the spot. In 2016, Yang Liping collaborated with numerous internationally renowned artists, with team members from around the globe, including professionals from the Netherlands, Italy, Australia, the UK, and more. Together, they embarked on an extraordinary journey to explore ‘The Rite of Spring,’ infusing it with both Eastern characteristics and international aesthetics. The stage design was undertaken by Oscar-winning ‘Best Art Direction’ visual artist Tim Yip, marking his third collaboration with Yang Liping following ‘Peacock’ and ‘The Shadow Play.’ His stage design is replete with mysterious Eastern elements, such as giant golden bowls, presenting an abstract stage world rich in Eastern charm to the audience. ‘The Rite of Spring’ premiered globally in Shanghai on October 19, 2018, and has since been performed at the Edinburgh International Festival, Toronto Luminato Festival, Moscow Grand Theatre, Brisbane Festival, Melbourne International Arts Festival, and more. If the original ‘The Rite of Spring’ led traditional dance into a new era, Yang Liping’s adaptation integrates ancient and modern, Eastern and Western elements. She employs a multitude of Eastern imagery, drawing on modern dance and Tibetan dance, to conduct a new exploration on her consistent dance aesthetics. Different images on stage symbolize different meanings; for example, lions symbolize power, and the peacock, well-known for its association with Yang Liping, symbolizes rebirth and hope. The luminescent green nails, like the tenacious desires of wild grass, break through the soil. They symbolize happiness and the vitality of life but also mark the beginning of troubles and suffering. The performance is open from March 7th to 9th, Friday to Sunday, from 19:30 to 21:00. The specific operational status is subject to the daily opening situation.
Yang Liping’s Classic Dance Drama ‘The Rite of Spring’ in Hangzhou
Over a century ago, Stravinsky composed ‘The Rite of Spring,’ originally the music for a[...]
