Dance/Music

Revitalised artistic tradition roars back into action

The lion dance has a deeply rooted and diverse heritage in Guangdong, including the lost form of lion dance theatre. Like the familiar performance of our times, the ancient theatrical tradition combined movement, percussion, kung fu acrobatics, and elements of feng shui. In addition, it served as a storyteller, enabling tales from classic novels, such as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, to be turned into dramatic form.

In a fascinating contemporary revival of this colourful performing art, Hong Kong choreographer Daniel Yeung brings together lion dancers and an array of local artistic talents to retell one of the adventures of Three Kingdoms hero Guan Yu. Drawing on classical lion dance, experiential theatre, modern dance, experimental music, and multimedia arts, the super-creative ensemble imaginatively restores and reshapes a forgotten art into a captivating performance for today.