Chinese Legends Conveyed through Large-Scale Dance Operas
A conversation with choreographer Vina Lee
Epoch Times
Dec 21, 2005
Of all the performances typical of an NTDTV Gala, audiences are most enthralled with the large-scale dance operas that are choreographed especially for the Gala. In the 2004 gala, these dances included: "Divine Charm of the Tang Dynasty" and "Celestial Manifestation." "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" and "Making a Needle from an Iron Pestle" were favorites of the 2005 Gala. Audiences are curious to know how these dance operas were choreographed and whether similar large scale dances are planned for the 2006 Gala. With these questions in mind, Sound of Hope radio interviewed Australian dance teacher and choreographer, Vina Lee.
Vina Lee was a stage supervisor for the 2004 gala and for the 2005 gala performed the role of the Immortal He in "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea." She assumes multiple roles in the 2006 Gala. In addition to being a member of gala preparation committee, Ms. Lee takes part is one of the performances and also has choreographed a large-scale dance opera.
In discussing the theme of 2006 gala, "Myths and Legends," Ms. Lee said that "Traditional Chinese culture provides a wealth of artistic inspiration for artists participating in the Galas. The artists use different disciplines and skills to convey the spirit of beauty and goodness. I have choreographed a large-scale dance for the 2006 gala that is a trial; it depicts an ancient legend in a contemporary setting."
The NTDTV Chinese New Year Global Galas feature a variety of performances. For the audience, it can be like walking into a store with all kinds of merchandise. In just two-to- three hours time, there are various performances, each of which has its own unique appeal. NTDTV hopes that overseas Chinese will recall the rich traditions that are their heritage and that the gala can promote communications among people of different cultures and ethnicities.
Interpreting legends with uplifting messages
"Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" is a famous legend in Chinese culture. Before the 2004 gala, it had not been shown on stage in the form of a dance, according to Ms. Lee. "Since NTDTV's gala has many aspects, it was impossible to interpret the story in greater detail," she said.
"It is challenging for the director to show the fantastic abilities of the eight immortals in just 10 minutes. The audience thought that the dance reflected the personalities of the eight immortals so it is not as important to know what their specific abilities were. What the audience had in the mind were the immortal figures and the different artistic formations of the dance. There was a chorus of beautiful girls using the graceful movements of their skirts to simulate sea waves, and the flower petals of flower fairies. The sea waves on the backdrop are also life-like with splendid colors."
"Acting as [the character] 'Immortal He' was also a challenge to me due the short period of time we had to prepare. I thought that Immortal He was someone who really cultivated her character in the past and that what she longed for must be virtuous. I focused on personal characteristics to show her kindness and beauty."
Ms. Lee described how the dance "Making a Needle from an Iron Stick" tells the story of the great Emperor Zhenwu, who cultivated on Mount Wudang, a sacred Taoist mountain in China's Hubei Province. After cultivating for more than 30 years, Emperor Zhenwu was unable to maintain his virtue and fell prey to the demon of lust. The emperor was despondent and felt that his many years of hard work were in vain. He decided to end his cultivation and began to descend the mountain. He ran into an old woman at the foot of the mountain. Zhenwu saw her rubbing an iron pestle. She said that she wanted to rub the iron pestle into a needle, because one could succeed at anything with enough perseverance. Unbeknownst to Zhenwu, the old woman was the transformation of a Bodhisattva (a female Buddha). Inspired by her example, Zhenwu returned to the mountain, completed his cultivation and ascended to heaven.
"I think the dance is to tell us that as long as one has a kind heart then one will be blessed," Ms. Lee explained. "As long as you want to do better from your heart, you will succeed."
Ms. Lee notes that the NTDTV gala also introduces traditional Chinese culture to Western society. "When we selected the performers for the dance 'Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea,' it didn't matter if one of the performers were Oriental or Western, so the prince's maternal uncle Cao was played by a Westerner. He performed very well in the idiom of Chinese traditional folk dance," she said.
"In order for anything of value to be successful, it has to have the heartfelt support of many people. Several hundred artists and more that 4,000 thousand volunteers participated in last year's Gala. I felt I was only a little drop of water among them, but what I gained from the experience is immeasurable."