Dance drama “Under Siege” produced by Yang Liping Dance Troupe will make its debut in Shenzhen next month.

    “Under Siege” took more than one year to create. It is rooted in traditional Chinese culture, and possesses experimental characteristics. Combining dance with other physically expressive art forms such as Beijing opera, kung fu, folk music and installation, it breaks down the conventional impression of Yang Liping’s dance works, i.e., emphasis on ethnic characteristics, expression of beauty and nature. It is another brand-new attempt for Yang in stage art creation, and a bold experiment in blending traditional art with a contemporary cultural context.

    Regarding this, Yang said: “‘Under Siege’ is totally different from my former works which express beauty and nature. This time, I hope to interpret the desires and fears and darkness and brightness deep in human nature with the help of characters from more than 2,000 years ago.”

    “Under Siege” extracts a team of historical figures from 2,000 years ago, and puts them in a more expansive temporal and spatial context using comprehensive stage approaches. Following the collapse of the Qin Dynasty in 206 B.C., two major contending powers emerged, Western Chu and Han, which engaged in a struggle for supremacy. Western Chu was led by Xiang Yu, while the Han leader was Liu Bang. Several minor kings also warred, but these were largely independent of the main conflict between Western Chu and Han. The war ended in 202 B.C. with a total victory for Han, and Liu soon proclaimed himself first emperor of the Han Dynasty.

    There are no swords and spears in the whole performance, but a vague sense of danger is felt when thousands of scissors are hung over the stage. Also, the dancers make their dance moves in silhouette, which reflects their inner distress and fears.

    Chinese drama director Tian Qinxin serves as drama consultant for “Under Siege” to help interpret this historical story. Timmy Yip, who received the Academy Award for Best Art Direction for the film “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon,” works on costume design and visual art for the dance show. He joins hands with Yang for a second time after the dance show “The Peacock.”

    Time: 8 p.m., Aug. 11-14

    Tickets: 180-880 yuan

    Reservations: 400-610-3721

    Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater, intersection of Wenxin Road 5 and Houhaibin Road, Nanshan District (南山区后海滨路与文心五路交界处深圳保利剧院)

    Metro: Shekou Line, Houhai Station (后海站), Exit E

    (SD News)