還是古墓派

Chess對羿
Dansmusician Group
Universal Arts Theatre
*****（最高評價五顆星）

This Taiwanese company of dancers and musicians trained in traditional as well as contemporary arts have reworked the Beijing Opera tale of Farewell My Concubine. For anyone who has seen Chen Kaige's film of the same title, Chess fleshes out the tale of the beautiful woman who falls victim to the rivalries of warring states and commits suicide when her lover is defeated in battle. If you haven't seen the film, Chess narrates the story, drawn from the Chin Dynasty period of Chinese history, with clarity and perfect artistry. For those with little knowledge of Chinese performing arts, this is a fine introduction. 

The visual aspects of this production are stunning. The costumes, lighting and dance blend seamlessly into a performance as aesthetically and emotionally engaging as it is fascinating. It is at one and the same time exotic and familiar. Human emotions, human failings, jealousy, rivalry and aggression conspire to destroy that which is pure and good. 

The fusion of styles brings about a heightening of the emotional dimension. The contemporary aspects to the movement and music are fundamentally western. Personally, I'm fascinated by traditional Chinese performance styles, especially the utter perfection to which Chinese performers aspire. There is a gracefulness in every gesture; even the hand movements, the elegant turns of the fingers and wrists are transfixing. Grand sweeping movements, leaps and rolling falls express the battles perfectly. It is the subtle variations in rhythm, the punctuation of fluidity by sharp, short gestures, enhanced by percussion, that give stylized movements a mesmerizing expressivity and individuality. 

This is a beautiful and exciting piece of dance theatre performed with remarkable expertise. We have a lot to learn from the East, especially in terms of respect for the arts and the dedication with which artists apply themselves to their discipline. This show deserves full houses. Take a break at lunchtime and go and see it. You will be touched and amazed.

Jackie Fletcher

評論來自The British Theatre Guide.(2008.08.12)

http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/otherresources/fringe/fringe08-28.htm

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