Rite of Spring / Folding

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Event Rite of Spring / Folding
Venue St James Theatre (1930-), Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand
Umbrella Event New Zealand International Arts Festival 2008
First Date 28 February 2008
Opening Date 28 February 2008
Last Date 2 March 2008
Dates Estimated No
Status Professional
World Premiere No
Description Shen Wei Dance Arts burst onto the international scene at the beginning of the decade, proclaimed as a fresh, new tour de force in dance today. Shen Wei's startling choreography is epic in scale, rousing all the sense at once and potently theatrical.
The influences that have shaped Shen Wei as a choreographer, painter and designer are channelled into a sensibility that has produced absorbing results. His landmark double bill - Rite of Spring and Folding - demonstrates the extraordinary range of genius that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Rite of Spring is a dynamic piece of engrossing precise movement visually amplifying Stravinsky's powerful score. Taking its cues from Chinese opera, Western classical ballet and modern dance, the choreography tests the technical and physical limits of the dancers. They flow across the intricate floor painting by Shen Wei.
In Folding the eye-catching costumes of flowing skirts, white body make-up and cone-shaped head dresses call to mind creatures that are simultaneously ancient and futuristic, religious and fantastical. Folding is a measured and mysterious work, set to the sounds of Tibetan chanting and a haunting score by John Tavener.
Chinese-born Shen Wei employs a holistic approach, in masterly control of every detail of his vision, immersing you in a totally sublime world.
Description Source Programme
Primary Genre Dance
Secondary Genre Ballet
Classical
Contemporary
Opera
Related Events
Organisations
Contributors
Name Function Notes
Shen Wei Choreographer
Shen Wei Costume Designer
Shen Wei Creator
Shen Wei Set Designer
Text Nationality China
United States of America
Production Nationality China
United States of America
Event Status Completed
Data Source
Source Description
Programme 2008 New Zealand International Festival of the Arts programme
Event Identifier 155288
Dataset AusStage