《Birdy》
Birdy, a work by LAI Hung-chung and performed by eight dancers, explores how personal freedom can be limited by social expectations. The piece is driven by a metaphoric narrative. Traditional Chinese opera props like Ling Zi and Spear are utilized to reflect this psychological journey. Dancers don the visually striking Ling Zi, a headpiece made of a long pheasant tail feather, symbolizing the warrior’s might and chosen by LAI to represent the individual’s desire for self-empowerment. In the dynamic movements of the Ling Zi, we see a desire to escape. Similarly, the spear, another traditional prop, is emblematic of the cage, reinforcing the thematic exploration of confinement and liberation. Set to an eclectic mix of electronic and Chinese classical music and incorporating both contemporary dance and Tai Chi movement, Birdy deftly blends tradition and modernity, while speaking to a universal desire to achieve balance between the individual and collective.
About Creation
Stage Size: 13m(w) x 12m(D)
Number of performers: 8
Number of tour party: 13
Age of Audience: 6+
Audience Capacity: 600-1200
Length of show: 59 mins
Hung Dance
Hung Dance was founded in 2017 by artistic director and choreographer LAI Hung-chung. The company’s name in Chinese (hung 翃, lit. to fly) reflects the aspiration to soar. Its works, which are tied to LAI’s interest in the subtle connections between humans and nature, seamlessly blend Chinese opera, mythology, and Tai Chi with contemporary dance idioms. Hung Dance has garnered international attention for its works Watcher and Birdy, which have won numerous awards at competitions and festivals in Spain, Switzerland and Germany, among other countries. The group has toured extensively across the world to wide acclaim, holding over two hundred performances. In addition to annual performances and international collaborations, Hung Dance also runs the Stray Birds Dance Platform, which supports choreographers with creative projects and connects these artists with global networks and resources.
Contact Information
Contact Person
SU Pei-shan
蘇珮珊
