This production features three original pieces, each with distinct meanings, cultural influences, and styles.
The title work, Legend of The White Snake, is a brand-new original piece with live music accompaniment by Chinese dulcimer musician Chao Tian. This work reimagines the classic Chinese folktale, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty. Although set during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor in the Qing Dynasty, the story has been retold in various forms over the centuries, including novels, operas, shadow plays, and movies. Our production puts a modern twist on this timeless love story, which follows an ordinary boy who falls in love with a beautiful woman who becomes his devoted wife. There’s only one catch: the beautiful and devoted wife is not human. She is, in fact, a five-hundred-year-old snake that has acquired the ability to transform into a human through centuries of Taoist training. With rich Chinese cultural influences and a touch of modern dance, our choreographer, Shu-Chen, brings this romantic story to life.
The second piece, Our Shifa is Us, is an intriguing contemporary dance by guest choreographer Selin Su Boybeyi, a Turkish-American artist. *Shifa* in Arabic translates to "cure" or "healing," and the sentiment behind it offers comfort to those who are unwell. Through this work, choreographer Selin explores the reality that, in our daily lives, we inevitably encounter someone in need of healing—whether from illness, trauma, pain, emotions, or past events. It’s crucial that we not only help and comfort those in need but also have the courage to reach out for help when we ourselves are in need.
The third piece, Insight, is an original work inspired by the quote, “When an old person dies, a library burns down.” This powerful statement reminds us of the immense wealth of knowledge and experience that older generations possess. Through her choreography, Shu-Chen expresses the awakening message that we should respect and care more for our seniors, appreciating all they have done to shape the world that younger generations will inherit. We need to hear their stories and learn their lessons so that we can benefit and grow from the wisdom they have to share.
