"Lit like an oil painting, the new work from Taiwan’s Hung Dance makes endless, sophisticated play with the feathered headpieces of ancient Chinese opera, recasting them as living contemporary artworks. Polished and visually stunning, the work has sold out at festivals around the world."
Stir
Presented by Springboard Performance
BIRDY
HUNG DANCE (Taiwan)
November 26th, The GRAND in Calgary
Presented with community partner Asian Heritage Foundation
In collaboration with Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, November 28th in Banff
Springboard Performance presents HUNG DANCE’s BIRDY in Calgary on November 26, with a subsequent presentation at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity on November 28, as part of a regional collaboration connecting audiences and artists across Southern Alberta.
BIRDY, a captivating dance piece by LAI Hung-chung, explores the interplay of freedom and limitations within Taiwan's communities. LAI delves into the subtle influences of emotions and historical echoes on social harmony through a blend of societal dynamics and personal narratives. Using a cage and dreamer metaphor, LAI bridges personal struggles with broader societal contexts. The deconstruction of traditional Peking opera props, like the spear transformed into a cage-like “rattan pole," symbolizes life's constraints. Incorporating the "Ling Zi" pheasant feathers, traditionally signifying warrior might, LAI reinterprets their meaning to empower individuals to redefine their consciousness. This exploration of freedom and self-awareness is visually depicted through the imagery of the "Ling Zi," subtly suggesting life's delicate balance between limitations and aspirations. Set to an eclectic mix of electronic and Chinese classical music, BIRDY reinterprets percussion and seamlessly blends Tai Chi with contemporary dance. It portrays the journey from tradition to modernity and conveys a powerful message that in this era, we can redefine class, freedom, and limitations while seeking balance and identity.
Founded in 2017 by Artistic Director Lai Hung-Chung, Hung Dance takes its name from the Chinese character 翃—meaning "to fly." The Taiwanese contemporary dance company translates everyday life, internal emotions, and physical states into a unique movement vocabulary that integrates Tai Chi principles with modern thought. Known for acclaimed feature-length works like Boundless and the Taishin Arts Award-nominated See You, the company explores the delicate relationship between humanity and nature, bringing a distinct, evocative vision to stages across the globe.
Hung Dance operates at the intersection of international touring, creative exchange, and community building. Having performed over 70 shows across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, the company actively expands its horizons through the International Collaboration Project (ICP), bringing global choreographers to Taiwan to co-create original works. Additionally, Hung Dance fosters the next generation of creative talent through its Stray Birds Dance Platform, bridging young choreographers with international festivals, awards, and global audiences.
Credits
- Artistic Director and Choreographer: LAI Hung-chung
- Performers: CHENG I-han, LEE Kuan-ling, LU Ying-chieh, WU Shin-jie, HO Tzu-wen, CHEN Ting-yu, HUANG Li-chieh, CHIU Po-sheng, WU Tsung-yang
- Composer: HSU Chia-wei
- Original Lighting Designer: TSAI Chao-yu
- Costume Designer: Summer LIN
- Tour Lighting Designer: SUNG Yung-hung
- Technical Director & Stage Manager: CIOU Yu-wun
- Prop Construction: CHOU Kuan-chih
- Operations Director: CHEN Wei-ping
- Touring Manager: Karina YANG