Hong Kong Dance Company HK Cultural Centre Grand Theatre Dec 3-5, 7.45pm; Dec 4-5, 3pm
Su Dongpo, one of the greatest Chinese poets, is the subject of the Hong Kong Dance Company's latest production. But don't worry if you are not familiar with his work. 'I draw inspiration more from the Song poet's life than his poems,' says choreographer and artistic director Leung Kwok-shing. 'I'm particularly touched by his attitude towards life, which was full of ups and downs.'
Poet Dongpo tells Su's story in six scenes - including his rise in government ranks, the death of his young wife and his political exile on Hainan Island - while citing renowned passages from his poems. 'He was aware of his own intellectual superiority and was a very blunt and arrogant man,' says Leung. 'He loved to satirise people for whom he had little respect and, in doing so, made many enemies including [statesman] Wang Anshi.'
A poem he wrote criticising Wang's economic reforms was claimed by his opponents as an attack on the emperor, which resulted in his banishment. He avoided a death sentence because, in those days, scholars couldn't be executed. Historians now believe that Wang played no part in Su's downfall because he retired from public life in 1076 and established a cordial relationship with Su. 'His friendship with Wang shows what a great man he was - he was not petty and was just a very frank and open man, a victim of his own brilliance and circumstances.'
The role of Su will be danced by Xu Qiang, Chen Jun will be his beloved brother Su Zhe, Huang Lei will play Wang Anshi and Tang Ya (far left, with Qiang) will play his three wives. The set will feature bamboo motifs to reflect Su's picturesque homeland in Meishan, while the costumes are tailor-made for the dancers by Lin Ching-yu from the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan. The music was composed by Shi Zhiyou, who also penned the sweeping score of Qingming Riverside, the acclaimed 2007 Dance Company production.
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