Birdy
artistic director, choreographer: Lai Hung-chung
music: Hsu Chia-Wei
costume design: Summer Lin
lighting design: Tsai Chao-yu
duration: 60’
premiere: National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, Taipei, 2024
performers: Cheng I-Han, Lee Kuan-ling, Lu Ying-chieh, Wu Shin-jie, Ho Tzu-wen, Chen Ting-yu, Huang Li-chieh, Wu Tsung-yang
A dance piece explores the interplay of freedom and limitations within Taiwan's communities. Lai delves into the subtle influences of emotions and historical echoes on social harmony through a blend of societal dynamics and personal narratives. Using a cage and dreamer metaphor, he bridges personal struggles with broader societal contexts. The deconstruction of traditional Peking opera props, like the spear transformed into a cage-like “rattan pole”, symbolizes life's constraints. Incorporating the “lingzi” pheasant feathers, traditionally signifying warrior might, Lai reinterprets their meaning to empower individuals to redefine their consciousness. This exploration of freedom and self awareness is visually depicted through the imagery of the “lingzi”, subtly suggesting life's delicate balance between limitations and aspirations.
Lai Hung-chung, a Taiwan National University of Arts graduate, founded Hung Dance in 2017, leaving a remarkable imprint on Taiwanese choreography. In 2016, he won gold and three awards at the Taiwan Creative Dance Competition, a record-setting feat. Lai’s triumphs extended globally, receiving numerous international awards. His creation, rooted in the theme of freedom, incorporates Tai Chi elements with contemporary concepts, fostering an inventive dance vocabulary and pushing creative boundaries. Lai drives international collaboration and supports emerging talents. He founded a special platform in 2019, spotlighting innovative, international choreography and offering production and touring opportunities.
Hung Dance is a Taiwanese contemporary dance company founded in 2017 by artistic director and choreographer Lai Hung-chung. Inspired by the symbol “翃” (hung), the company's name reflects its aspiration to soar. Focusing on annual productions, international collaboration, and tours, Hung Dance has earned numerous awards for its exceptional choreographic works in renowned festivals worldwide. It has also embarked on an extensive international tour, captivating audiences across Europe, Asia, America and Africa with over two hundred mesmerizing performances.
It has no language barriers. It’s just a remarkable piece of work. And gorgeous, gorgeous. It’s really the whole package.
© Houston Chronicle
Lit like an oil painting, the new work from Taiwan’s Hung Dance makes endless, sophisticated play with the feathered headpieces of ancient Chinese opera, recasting them as living contemporary artworks. Polished and visually stunning, the work has sold out at festivals around the world.
© Stir Arts & Culture
The themes of “Birdy”—freedom and oppression, and the impact of individual actions on society’s equilibrium—are more timely and essential than ever… The piece was created in Taiwan’s specific cultural context, but it’s universally relevant as we grapple with global conflicts, the climate crisis, and our own personal responsibility.
© Victoria News
Sublime piece of choreography.
© La Provence
In “Birdy”, Taiwanese choreographer Lai Hung-chung explores the limits of our desires and our sense of freedom.
© Zone Critique
...dancers crowned with long pheasant feathers come together in evocative tableaux that express the longing for flight. And the magic of “Birdy” takes hold!
© Le Figaro
