'Rite of Spring' returns to town

Chinese dance legend and renowned choreographer Yang Liping will bring her stunning reimagining of Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” back to Shenzhen in May.

A scene from “Rite of Spring.”China News Service

Stravinsky’s scenario and score may have been choreographed to 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 peacock appears as a symbol for hope and rebirth, while the image of a lion symbolizes for 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.

Time: 7:30 p.m., May 11

Venue: Orange Theater, Nanshan Culture and Sports Center, Nanshan District (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