30th Anniversary Programme
Tonight’s program promises a diverse array of performances.
First up is “Tales of the Goddesses and a Painter”, a captivating journey through ancient times, intertwining dances from the renowned Silk Road region. A kind-hearted young emperor of the Tang dynasty, 1400 years ago, had a troubling dream. He envisioned his realm devastated by a cruel drought, leading to widespread loss of life. Taking dreams seriously, he fretted over the looming crisis. Lacking practical solutions, he sought solace in prayer at the royal temple, seeking guidance from his ancestors. In a mystical moment, a voice urged him to commission a talented artist to paint a mural depicting goddesses in a hidden cave along the Silk Road. This act, he hoped, would appease the heavens and avert disaster.
Choreographer/Story: EMILY CHEUNG. Performers: ALEXANDER HERRERA, CANDACE KUMAR, CHELLY LI, EMILIO COLALILLO, JENNIFER CHOI, LU LI, SARAH DI IORIO, YICHEN SELINA TSAI, YULIYA XU.
Following that is “Chinese Opera Rainbow Pass”, offering a glimpse into the colorful world of traditional Chinese opera. In the plot, the rebellion leader Qin Qiong leads the Wagang Army to assault Rainbow Pass. Guard Xin Wenli falls to Xie Yingden’s arrow. Seeking revenge, Xin’s wife, Mrs. Dongfangshi, captures Wang Bodang, one of the leaders of the rebellion. Enchanted by his charm, she persuades her maid to lobby Wang for surrender to Wagang Village and marriage to Wang Bodang.
Choreographer: WILLIAM LAU. Performers: WILLIAM LAU, JUSTIN LUI, EMILIO COLALILLO.
Finally, the world premiere of the contemporary piece work-in-progress “Nine-Tailed Fox”. “Nine-Tailed Fox” emerges from a collective of talented female Chinese Canadian artists, led by Artistic Director Emily Cheung, with music composed by Alice Ping Yee Ho and narratively shaped by Diana Tso. This production delves into the mythical Chinese folklore surrounding the legendary Nine-Tailed Fox. Costume design by the amazing Nancy Baltazar Pulido.
Synopsis of The Scholar and the Foxes’ Wedding, retold by Diana Tso
A scholar finds himself awake in an abandoned house, carrying in his
sleeve a treasure from another world, the only proof of his attendance as
an unexpected guest at the marvellous wedding of a faery fox. These
playful and mysterious creatures transform the house into an enchanting
mansion and fill the scholar with wine at their celebration to make him
wonder if it was all a dream.
Synopsis of A Poem of the Nine Tail Fox, a poem by Diana Tso
Two foxes are pursued by hunters for their celestial nine tails. In the
selfless effort to save his friend, one fox is injured while keeping the
hunters at bay, while the other fox hides. To return his friend’s act of
bravery, he transforms himself as an offering of love. In their courtship they
captivate each other with their fiery beauty and insatiable energy forever
chasing each other as lifelong lovers.
A Poem of the Nine Tail Fox, by Diana Tso
I
feed me oranges, noodles and tofu
as I crawl under your fingernails
seep into your skin
soften my muscles into your breasts
losing my sword
taking over your womb
empowering myself into woman
II
feed me strawberries, noodles and tofu
I strike my tail and a blaze of fire illuminates my darkness
I have the shape of a woman
I have the whisper of a gentle man
at sunrise the shadow of the fox follows me
dogs surround me barking fiercely
begging the moon to hide behind the clouds
afraid to see our souls’ true light
III
we pass the shining orb between our tongues
we pass our souls from one to the other
Choreographer: EMILY CHEUNG. Music: ALICE PING YEE HO. Story: DIANA TSO. Costume: NANCY BALTAZAR PULIDO. Performers: ALEXANDER HERRERA, FALCIONY PATINO, SARAH DI IORIO, VANIA LIZBETH CHAN, CHELLY LI, JENNIFER CHOI, LU LI.
After the show, join us for a delightful reception where audience members can mingle with the talented artists and company members.
Little Pear Garden Dance Company acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
LITTLE PEAR GARDEN DANCE COMPANY is publicly funded by Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario, and the Toronto Arts Council.
