Preview- 365 Ways of Doing and Undoing Orientalism- CCDC
19-6-15
By: Rachel Barton
The East, not surely by tradition or cultural prospective, usually refers to Asia and the West for Europe and America. What do you correlate when coming across the East? Calligraphy, Buddha, Feng Shui, bowls, chopsticks, Mandarin gowns, martial arts, long sleeves, dragons, meditation and yoga?
These are the questions that CCDC is hoping to answer with their next show, 365 Ways of Doing and Undoing Orientalism. This production is highly acclaimed repertoire of CCDC choreographed by veteran choreographer Willy Tsao with Xing Liang. Through an exotic display and re-twist of “oriental” elements, 365 casts doubts on the West’s fascination with the Orient. By looking at the every day objects and stereotypes of the East, CCDC hopes to see beyond the image and explore what is it to live in the modern Asian world?
The word “oriental” is a hot-button word that can often and easily offend. You have to wonder what made CCDC choose to put this word in the title, over something more PC, like, Asian Fusion? “As the economy, culture, religion in the East is being more and more spotlighted in Western platforms, we have more chances to come across such oriental elements or topics in their compositions, programmes and issues. The work would like to inspire more reflections on their or even our stereotypes on what defines Eastern or Chinese culture,” says Willy Tsao.
The company and choreographers hope to honor traditions found throughout Asia and explore the art of ritual in both religious and non-religious context. “We believe such a lot of reflections on space, symbols and signatures would be very fascinating and lead to fruitful discussion after show," Willy adds.
CCDC has grown a wonderful reputation over the past few years for hiring local talent and creating new and inventive work. Their most recent production, Happy Birthday?, received a 5 star rating but that didn’t give the cast or crew a big ego or anxiety. “Since choreographers are different for each show, positive reviews do motivate us to explore different topics and have a good try on different styles for our next work.” CCDC is very proud of working with Hong Kong choreographers and dancers. “Hong Kong is full of very talented people.”
Besides award-winning choreographer, Willy Tsao, this production will also feature the designs of Silvio Chan, Jo Phoa and Low Shee Hoa. The dancers at CCDC are known as company members, with no artists receiving top billing over the others. It’s nice to see community spirit from the artists and the focus being on the ensemble.
365 Ways of Doing and Undoing Orientalism is playing at the Kwai Tsing Theatre on June 26th and 27th at 8pm. Ticket prices range from 140HKD to 250HKD, with additional discounts for seniors, students and persons with disabilities.
Cantonese speaking audience members can get an extra sneak peek at the production at a Pre-Performance Tea Tasting on June 24th at 5pm. LockCha Tea House (G/F, The K.S. Lo Gallery, Hong Kong Park, Admiralty, Hong Kong). This pre-show exploration is 130HKD and includes the price of the tea, the lecture and the the excerpt performances by the dancers. You can also get more information at the CCDC website.
For more information on CCDC’s 365 Ways of Doing and Undoing Orientalism, click here.
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